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DR.  LEGEAR'8  STOCK  BOOK 


A  COMPLETE,  VALUABLE,  INSTKUCTIVE  BOOK 

OF  KEFERENCE  FOR  ALL  HORSE 

AND  STOCK  OWNERS. 


COMPRISING  A  DESCBIPTION   OF  THE   GENERAL  CARE,  FEEDING  AND 
WATERING,    STABLING    AND    BREEDING,   AND    ALL    THE    DIS- 
EASES AND  THEIR  TREATMENT,  OF  STOCK  IN  TEXAS 
AND  THE  SOUTH.    IT  IS  PLAINLY  WRITTEN 
AND  CONTAINS  THE 


LATEST  AND  MOST  VALUABLE  FORMULAS. 


By  DRS.  L.  D.  and  N.  G.  LeGEAR, 

GBADUATES  OF  THE  ONTABIO  VETEKINABY  COLLEGE,  TOBONTO,  ONTABIO ; 

HONOEAET   MEMBEBS  OF  THE   ONTABIO  VETEBINABY  MEDICAL 

society;     and    VETEBINABIANS     fob    "the     TEXAS 

STOCKMAN  AND  FABMEB,"  SAN  ANTONIO. 


.2tSi 


AUSTIN,  TEXAS 
PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHO 


TWO  COhts  RECEIVED 


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Main  IS\ 
Agric  Dc^ 


Entered  according  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1897,  by 

Dr8.  L.  D.  and  N.  G.  LeGear, 

In  the  office  of  the  Librarian  of  Congress,  at  Washington,  D.  C. 


BEN  C.  JONES  AND  CO. 

PRINTERS, 

BINDERS  AND  EI.ECTROTYPER8, 

AFSTIN.  TEXAS. 


/ 


Below  is  a  voluntary  testimonial  from  The  Texas  Stockman 
and  Farmer  Pnblishifig  Co.,  of  San  Antonio,  Texas,  who  publish 
The  Texas  Stockman  and  Farmer,  which  is  one  of  the  best  pa- 
pers that  is  devoted  to  the  live  stock  and  farming  interests  of 
Texas  and  the  Southwest: 

The  Texas  Stockman  and  Farmer, 

San  Antonio,  Texas,  August  3d,  1897. 

To  the  Stock  (]rrower.s  and  Farmers  of  Texas: 

We  have  examined  the  advance  sheets  of  the  well-written  and 
handsomely  illustrated  w^ork  devoted  to  the  diseases  and  treat- 
ment of  live  stock  in  Texas  and  the  South,  and  their  proper  care 
and  breeding,  to  be  issued  shortly  by  Dr.  L.  D.  LeGear  and  Dr. 
N.  G.  LeGear,  veterinary  surgeons,  Austin,  Texas. 

This  book  is  plainly  and  simply  written,  and  will  be  of  great 
value  on  every  farm  and  ranch.  Dr.8.  LeGear  are  both  graduate 
veterinary  surgeons,  and  have  built  up  a  large  practice  in  this 
State. 

Dr.  L.  D.  LeGear,  for  several  years  past,  has  been  in  charge  of 
the  veterinary  department  of  this  paper,  and  we  have  reason  to 
know  that  he  is  one  of  the  best  posted  men  on  diseases  of  live- 
stock and  their  treatment  in  the  South;  hence  it  is  that  we  take 
gr^at  pleasure  in  endorsing  thi.s  work. 

The  Texas  Stockman  and  Farmer  Pub.  Co., 

Per  Vories  P.  Brown,  Editor  and  Manager. 


CU-Berkeley 

268432 


Below  is  a  clipping  from  the  August  26th  number  of  "Tlie 
Texas  Vorwarts,"  the  largest  and  most  widely  circulated  German 
weekly  paper  in  the  State,  published  at  Austin,  Texas,  by  Judge 
Schutze. 

"We  have  read  with  great  interest  the  manuscript  of  a  book, 
very  useful  to  the  farmers  and  stock  raisers,  principally  for  such 
who  reside  in  the  State  of  Texas,  or  elsewhere  in  the  South,  and 
we  can  recommend  same  as  a  very  valuable  book.  The  book  is 
edited  by  Drs.  LeGear.  It  is  indeed  a  stock  book:  complete,  valu- 
able, and  instructive — a  book  of  reference  for  all  hoi*se  and  stock 
raisers  and  owners.  It  furnishes  an  exact  description  of  the 
general  care  of  stock:  its  feeding,  watering,  stabling,  and  breed- 
ing. It  treats  on  the  diseases  of  stock,  and  their  treatment  in 
Texas  and  the  South.  The  book  is  written  in  plain  language, 
and  contains  the  latest  and  most  valuable  recipes  for  the  cure  of 
the  diseases  of-  stock.  The  editors,  Drs.  L.  D.  and  N.  G.  LeGear, 
are  graduates  of  the  Ontario  Veterinary  College  at  Toronto,  hon- 
orary members  of  the  Ontario  Veterinary  Medical  Society,  and 
veterinarians  for  "The  Texas  Stockman  and  Farmer,"  San,  An- 
tonio, Texas, 

"  JULIUS  SCHUTZE,  Editor  and  Manager." 


INTRODUCTION. 


After  traveling  about  over  Texas  and  the  South  for  three 
years,  practicing  our  profession  as  veterinary  surgeons,  and  in- 
vestigating the  diseases  and  ailments  peculiar  to  the  domesti- 
cated animals  here,  we  were  very  forcibly  struck  with  this 
thought:  ^'How  greatly  in  need  are  the  stock  raisers  and  stock 
owners  in  Texas  and  the  South  of  the  proper  information  and 
instructions  on  the  general  care  of  stock,  and  their  treatment 
\shile  injured  or  diseased/'  This  thought,  with  the  request  of 
hundreds  of  stock  owners,  stimulated  us  to  the  consideration  of 
writing  a  general  Stock  Book,  plainly  written  and  profusely  il- 
lustrated, by  the  aid  of  which  every  stock  owner  could  treat  the 
majority  of  diseases  and  ailments  of  his  stock;  and,  best  of  all, 
learn  how  to  care  for  them  and  keep  them  from  becoming  dis- 
eased. In  offering  our  work  to  the  public  for  sale,  we  think  we 
have  amply  filled  this  want  and  demand. 

Texas,  with  her  7,000,000  cattle,  2,000,000  horses,  2,000,000 
hogs,  and  4,000,000  sheep,  can  boast  of  being  by  far  the  greatest 
and  best  stock  producing  State  in  the  Union;  and  then  for  her  to 
be  so  nearly  \^dthout  veterinary  skill,  and  plainly  written  veterin- 
ary books,  shows  the  great  need  of  a  stock  book  of  this  kind  on 
every  ranch,  farm,  and  in  the  house  of  every  stock  owner  in  the 
State.  We  find  what  few  stock  books  there  are  in  this  country 
are  either  too  old  or  are  not  written  in  a  language  plain  enough 
for  the  ordinarj^  citizen  to  understand.  As  veterinary  science 
during  the  last  few  years  has  made  such  rapid  progress  in  in- 
vestigating the  exact  nature  and  more  successful  treatment  of 
various  stock  diseases,  therefore,  a  stock  book  at  the  present  day 


ii  Introduction. 

is  considered  old  and  out  of  date  if  it  is  only  five  or  eight  years 
old.  In  writing  this  volume,  we  have  taken  special  care  and 
pains  to  write  it  in  a  very  plain  language,  so  that  any  one  under- 
standing the  English  language  can  read  it  understandingly.  We 
have  made  special  efforts  to  make  all  new  treatments  as  plain  as 
possible,  and  to  give  the  very  best  formulas  for  the  same.  You 
will  notice  in  the  treatment  of  some  of  the  diseases  given  in  this 
book  that  we  recommend  Dr.  LeGear's  Celebrated  Veterinary 
Iiemedies.  These  are  a  line  of  stock  medicines,  explained  fully 
in  tins  book,  that  we  are  manufacturing  for  the  benefit  and  con- 
veniences of  the  .stock  owner.  They  are  put  up  in  a  very  con- 
venient form,  and  are  cheaper  than  you  can  get  formulas  filled 
for  the  same  diseases,  and  they  can  be  liad  from  your  druggist,  of 
your  country  merchant. 

Wq  are  both  graduate  veterinary  surgeons,  having  taken  a  full 
course  of  instructions,  and  graduated  with  high  honors,  from  the 
Ontario  Veterinary  College,  Toronto,  Canada.  In  preparing  this 
book,  besides  our  veterinary  skill,  we  have  referred  to  the  follow- 
ing noted  modern  veterinary  writers:  Robertson,  Fleming,  Chau- 
veau,  Strangeway,  Liautard,  William.s,  Courtney,  Armatage, 
Finley  Dun,  Special  Reports  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry, 
and  The  American  Veterinary  Review.  We  have  endeavored,  as 
far  as  possible,  to  illustrate  this  book  by  using  original,  appro- 
priate cuts,  which  we  hope  will  be  a  great  aid  to  all  those  who 
read  it  in  understanding  the  various  diseases  and  their  treatment. 

In  conclusion,  we  wish  to  express  a  hope  that  this  work  may 
be  fa\orably  received  by  all  into  whose  hands  it  may  find  its  way, 
and  more  particularly  the  stock  man  and  stock  owners  of  Texas 
and  the  South. 


DR.  LeGEAR'S  stock  BOOK. 


CHAPTER  I. 

FEEDING  AND  WATERING  HORSES. 

How  often  is  the  question  asked,  "How  and  when  shall  we  feed 
and  water  our  horses?"  We  shall  endeavor  to  give,  in  as  few 
words  as  possible,  our  opinion  on  this  subject,  which  is  endorsed 
b}^  the  best  authorities  in  this  country.  Our  remarks  shall  be 
confined  to  the  driving  horse,  and  the  work  horse  and  mule,  not 
referring  to  horses  at  pasture.  Over  one-half  the  diseases  of  the 
digestive  organs  are  caused  by  improper  feeding  and  watering; 
therefore,  this  is  a  very  important  subject  for  all  horse  owners 
to  consider. 

The  horse,  man's  mo,st  faithful  and  useful  servant,  since  be- 
coming domesticated  has  to  depend  on  man  for  the  feed  he  eats, 
the  water  he  drinks,  the  freedom  he  gets,  the  air  he  breathes,  the 
light  he  receives,  and,  in  fact,  his  very  existence  is  at  man's  will, 
to  properly  or  improperly  care  for  him.  Considering  the  small 
size  of  a  horse's  stomach,  it  would  lead  one  to  the  belief  that  he 
,should  be  fed  often  and  a  small  quantity  at  a  time.  Some  of  the 
large  feeding  stables  in  the  North  feed  their  horses  grain  four 
times  a  day,  but  we  think  three  times  is  sufficient,  but  it  should 
be  done  regularly,  and  at  the  same  hour  each  day,  if  possible. 

Hay,  fodder,  or  whatever  roughness  is  used,  should  be  fed  at 
night,  when  the  racks  can  be  filled  up,  and  let  them  eat  what 
they  want,  as  they  have  all  night  for  it  to  digest.  This  applies 
more  particularly  to  driving  horses,  for  if  they  are  fed  hay  shortly 


2  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

before  going  on  a  drive  their  stomach  'and  bowels  are  very  dis- 
tended, which  makes  it  difficult  and  injurious  to  perform  severe 
labor.  Eapid  and  severe  labor  should  not  be  performed  on  a  full 
stomach.  For  such  horses,  food  must  be  given  in  small  quanti- 
ties, and  fed  to  them  one  or  two  hours  before  going  to  their  work. 
One  of  the  common  errors  of  feeding,  and  one  that  produces 
more  digestive  disorders,  is  to  feed  too  soon  after  a  hard  day's 
work.  First  give  a  few  swallows  of  water,  then  some  hay,  and 
in  about  one  hour  give  what  water  he  will  drink,  and  then  his 
grain.  By  all  means,  fee-d  sound,  wholesome  food,  for  damaged, 
inferior  food  is  dear  at  any  price. 

The  disproportion  between  the  size  of  the  stomach  and  the 
amount  of  water  drank  tells  us  plainly  that  the  horse  should 
always  be  watered  before  feeding,  as  the  stomach  holds  but  three 
and  a  half  to  four  gallons.  A  series  of  experiments  has  proven 
this.  A  horse  was  given  all  the  water  he  would  drink  and  fed 
four  quarts  of  oats,  and  immediately  after  eating  them  he  was 
killed.  On  opening  the  stomach,  it  was  found  that  nearly  all 
the  oats  were  in  the  stomach  and  undergoing  the  process  of  di- 
gestion. Another  horse  was  watered  and  fed  in  the  same  way, 
and  was  killed  one  hour  after  eating  the  oats.  In  this  case,  it 
was  found  that  nearly  all  the  oats  had  left  the  stomach  and  were 
found  in  the  bowels,  thoroughly  digested  and  undergoing  ab- 
sorption. A  third  one  was  given  four  quarts  of  oats,  then  given 
a  bucket  of  water,  and  immediately  killed.  What  a  sad  state  of 
affairs  was  found.  I^early  all  the  oats  had  been  slushed  out  of 
the  stomach  by  the  water,  and  were  found  floating  in  the  water 
in  the  bowels  in  an  undigested  state. 

It  is  the  same  with  all  kinds  of  grain  fed  in  this  way.  The 
grain  which  is  washed  out  of  the  stomach  by  watering  right  after 
feeding  not  only  passes  out  of  the  system  only  partially  digested, 
but  it  gives  extra  work  to  the  bowels,  and  weakens  and  overtaxes 
them.  It  can  be  plainly  seen  by  the  above  that  horses  and  mules 
should  be  watered  before  feeding,  and  not  directly  afterward. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  3 

Horses  at  work  should  be  watered  often,  and  a  small  quantity  at 
a  time-;  while  standing  in  the  stable,  three  times  a  day  is  suffi- 
cient. Nothing  will  refresh  a  horse,  while  driving  on  a  hot  day, 
like  a  few  swallows  of  fresh  water.  It  gives  him  new  life  and 
strength,  and  permits  him  to  pursue  his.  journey  with  much 
greater  ease.  On  coming  in,  heated  from  a  drive,  a  few  swallows 
of  water  is  beneficial  to  a  horse,  but  all  he  will  drink  is  dangerous. 
Water  should  be  fresh,  pure  and  wholesome.  Impure  water  is 
the  cause  of  many  diseases  of  the  horse.  The  quantity  of  grain 
fed  should  be  regulated  according  to  the  size  of  the  animal  and 
the  amount  of  labor  he  is  required  to  do.  Some  horses  are  like 
some  people — they  can  stand  the  violation  of  the  proper  laws  of 
feeding  and  watering  for  a  considerable  length  of  time  without 
experiencing  or  showing  any  inconveniences  therefrom,  but  some 
day  its  effects  will  be  plainly  seen. 

Sick  animals  should  have  a  bucket  of  fresh,  cool  water  before 
them  all  the  time.  The  food  for  a  sick  horse  should  be  very  nu- 
tritious and  easy  of  digestion.  Bran  mashes,  either  scalded  or 
just  wet  with  cold  water;  boiled  oats;  green  grass,  or  green  food 
of  any  kind;  linseed  gruel,  beets,  turnips,  potatoes,  etc.,  are  all 
very  good.  Wheat  bran  is  a  very  necessary  article  of  diet  for 
every  horse  owner  to  have  about  his  stable.  He  should  educate 
his  horses  to  eat  it,  for  it  is  very  healthy  to  a  well  horse,  and  far 
more  valuable  to  a  sick  one. 


4  Dr.  LeCtear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  II. 
STABLING  AND  GENERAL  CARE  OF  HORSES. 

This  is  a  subject  that  is  sadly  neglected  by  a  majority  of  horse 
owners  in  this  country.  Very  few  farmers,  and  a  great  many 
horse  owners  in  the  cities  and  towns,  have  what  can  be  called 
stables  for  their  horses;  they  have  merely  a  lot  and  sheds,  and, 
in  fact,  some  don't  have  even  a  shed.  These  sheds,  as  a  general 
thing,  are  cool,  airy,  and  comfortable  for  summer,  but  are  cruel- 
ly cold  and  disagreeable  during  the  winter  "northers."  The 
horse,  man's  most  faithful  servant,  needs  comfort  and  protection 
against  the  cold  and  wet  as  well  as  man  does.  It  is  for  the-  want 
of  proper  care  and  comfort  that  so  many  horses  become  affected 
with  disease.  These  air}?^,  cool  sheds  are  the  very  best  kind  of 
stables  for  summer  time  in  this  country,  but  for  winter  we  should 
have  stables  that  we  caii  close  up  to  keep  out  the  cold,  chilly  air, 
and  give  the  animal  a  good  bed  of  straw  to  lie  on.  How  comfort- 
able it  seems  to  u,s  when,  during  a  cojd  "norther,"  we  can  close 
our  doors  and  windows,  and  get  into  a  soft,  warm  bed,  provided 
with  plenty  of  blankets  to  keep  us  warm.  We  should  first  see 
that  our  stock  have  a  warm,  comfortable  place  for  the  night,  and 
then  w^e  can  lie  down  and  sleep  with  a  clear  conscience  and  an 
easy  mind. 

Stables  should  be  kept  clean  and  dry,  and  have  plenty  of  ven- 
tilation and  good  light.  Close,  dark,  poorly  ventilated  stables 
are  very  injurious  to  horses'  eyes,  and  to  their  general  health. 
Foul  air  should  be  allowed  to  escape  through  trap-doors  or  win- 
dows in  the  ceiling  or  top  of  the  stable.  The  stalls  should  be 
large  and  comfoi-table,  box-stalls  being  the  best.  The  stall  floor 
should  be  clay  or  dirt,  and  nearly  level.  A  hard  plank  floor  is 
injurious  to  a  horse's  feet  and  legs.    The  hay  racks  should  not  be 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  5 

too  high;  in  fact,  it  is  better  to  feed  hay  from  the  ground,  which 
is  the  natural  way  for  a  horse  to  get  its  food.  If  racks  are  used, 
they  should  not  be  higher  than  the  shoulder.  The  grain  boxes 
should  be  in  one  end  of  the  manger  (rack).  If  the  horse  has  a 
habit  of  throwing  his  hay  out  under  his  feet,  nail  a  few  slats 
across  the  rack.  If  he  is  a  greedy  eater,  put  a  few  cobble-stones 
in  his  grain  box. 

Horses,  while  working,  should  be  groomed  (cleaned  with 
a  curry-comb  and  brush)  thoroughly  once  or  twice  a  day.  Use 
a  fine-tooth  curry-comb  and  a  stiff  brush,  and  thoroughly  work 
all  the  dirt  and  dust  out  of  the  hair  each  time  of  grooming.  It  is 
claimed  by  some  good  authorities  on  this  subject  that  the  curry- 
comb and  brush,  well  used,  is  worth  half-feed.  Good  grooming 
keeps  the  skin  clean  and  healthy,  and  makes  the  hair  short,  sleek 
and  glossy.  Jf  your  stable  is  cold,  a  blanket  should  be  kept  on 
your  horse  during  the  cold  weather.  It  is  very  important  and 
necessary  that  a  .street-blanket  be  had  to  put  on  your  horse  while 
he  is  standing  in  the  cold.  It  is  a  cruel  practice  to  hitch  a  horse 
in  the  street,  either  in  the  hot  sun  or  cold  wind,  and  let  him  stay 
for  hours,  as  some  do.  If  you  have  to  hitch  a  horse  out  in  a  cold 
wind  or  storm,  stand  him  with  his  tail  to  the  wind.  Don't  be 
cruel  and  abusive  to  a  horse.  Be  kind,  but  firm,  to  him,  and  he 
mil  obey  you  better  than  a  hired  servant.  There  is  no  excuse-  in 
working  poor  horses  in  a  country  like  this,  where  so  much  grass 
and  feed  can  be  raised  in  abundance,  with  so  little  labor;  and 
yet  we  often  see  poor  horses  and  mules  working  to  wagons  with 
galled  shoulders,  and  writhing  under  the  whip  of  a  cruel  master. 
These  are  the  farmers  who  have  grassy  crops  and  never  get  them 
cleaned  out  in  time  to  receive  the  rain  necessary  to  mature  them. 
To  prevent  this  cruel,  barbarous  treatment  to  stock,  every  town 
and  community  should  form  a  humane  society,  whose  object 
shall  be  the  prevention  of  cruelty  to  animals.  Texas  has  a  law 
making  it  a  misdemeanor  to  cruelly  mistreat  or  abuse  the  horse, 
but  it  is  not  enforced. 


6  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Austin  has  formed  a  humane  society,  whose  provisions  are  as 
follows,  viz.: 

"Article  786.  If  any  person  shall  wilfully  kill,  maim,  wound, 
poison,  or  disfigure  any  horse,  ass,  mule,  cattle,  sheep,  goat, 
swine,  dog,  or  other  domesticated  animal,  or  any  domesticated 
bird,  of  another,  with  intent  to  injure  the  owner  thereof,  he  shall 
be  fined  not  less  than  ten  nor  more  than  two  hundred  dollars; 
and  in  prosecutions  under  this  article  the  intent  to  injure  may  be 
presumed  from  the  perpetration  of  the  act. 

"Article  787.  If  any  person  shall  wilfully  or  wantonly  kill, 
maim,  wound,  disfigure,  poison,  or  cruelly  and  unmercifully  beat 
and  abuse  any  animal  included  in  the  preceding  article,  he  shall 
be  fined  not  exceeding  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars." 

Let  other  cities,  towns  and  communities  follow  Austin  in  this 
good  work.  Another  cruelty  inflicted  on  horses,  which  might 
be  called  a  fashionable  one,  is  high  checking.  This  is  practiced 
more  extensively  in  the  cities,  where  many  a  poor  horse  is 
checked  up  so  high  that  he  can't  see  his  feet,  nor  even  the  ground 
he  is  walking  on.  Moderate  checking  is  all  right  on  short  drives, 
but  on  long,  country  drives  a  horse  should  have  the  free  use  of 
his  head.  A  practice  that  is  cruel  and  needless  is  to  let  a  horse 
stand  hitched  in  the  .street  with  his  head  checked  up  too  high. 
Always  uncheck  your  horse  if  you  can't  let  him  stand  ten  min- 
utes, as  it  rests  him.  Considerable  attention  should  be  paid  to  a 
horse's  shoulders,  neck  and  back,  to  prevent  saddle  and  collar 
galls.  Keep  the  collar  or  saddle  clean  and  smooth,  and  see  that 
they  fit  well.  Sponge  off  the  shoulders,  neck  and  back  on  coming 
in  from  a  hard  drive,  or  day's  work,  with  cold  water,  containing 
a  little  salt.    This  will  toughen  the  skin  and  prevent  galls. 

A  horse's  foot  is  a  ven^  particular  and  wonderful  mechanism, 
and  it  needs  special  care  and  attention,  for  the  old  adage  is  very 
true — "  no  foot,  no  horse."  The  foot  should  be  cleaned  out  and 
washed  every  morning,  to  see  whether  a  nail  has  penetrated  it  or 
a  rock  has  become  wedged  under  the  shoe.    Horses  used  entirely 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  7 

on  the  farm  need  not  be  shod  only  in  exceptional  cases — ^those  of 
weak,  tender  feet.  For  road  use,  a  horse  needs  shoes  on  to  pro- 
tect .the  wall  of  the  hoof  from  wearing  off  too  close,  and  to  pro- 
tect it  from  bruises  it  would  likely  sustain  by  being  driven  fast 
on  hard,  rocky  roads.  For  general  remarks  on  shoeing,  read  up 
on  that  subject  under  its  respective  heading. 

Every  stock  man,  stock  owner  and  farmer,  who  is  at  all  inter- 
ested in  stock  raising  and  farming,  should  take  one  or  more  of 
the  following  stock  and  farm  papers:  "The  Texas  Stockman  and 
Farmer,"  San  Antonio,  Texas;  "The  Stock  and  Farm  Journal,'' 
Fort  Worth,  Texas;  or  "The  Farm  and  Kanch,"  Dallas,  Texas. 


8  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  III. 
BREEDING. 

The  breeding  of  hor.ses  is  a  subject  that  is  sadly  neglected  by 
a  great  many  breeders.  Some  men  think  if  a  mare  can  conceive 
and  bring  a  colt,  no  matter  how  old,  broken-down  or  crippled  she 
is,  she  is  just  as  good  as  a  w^ell-bred,  sound,  young  mare.  This  is 
a  very  false  idea.  The  law  of  like  producing  like  is  very  plainly 
shown  in  breeding  horses;  therefore,  if  you  wish  to  raise  good 
colts,  you  must  breed  from  sound  parents.  It  is  a  profitable 
business  to  raise  good  horses,  but  common  horses  are  raised  at 
a  loss.  This  is  exemplified  at  the  present  time  by  the  cheapness 
of  the  common  horse,  and  the  increasing  demand  and  good  price 
of  good  driving  horses.  It  costs  just  as  much  to  raise  a  common, 
scrub  colt  as  it  does  a  fine-blooded  one;  the  only  difference  being 
in  the  cost  of  the  sire.  The  first  will  sell,  when  four  or  five  years 
old  and  broken  to  harness,  probably  for  from  $10  to  $40,  and  the 
other  will  bring  from  $75  to  $200. 

Below  is  a  portion  of  the  paper  prepared  by  Col.  Henry  Exall, 
of  Dallas,  and  read  before  the  Livestock  Association  of  Texas  at 
San  Antonio,  in  March  of  this  year.  Colonel  Exall  is  one  of  the 
greatest  horsemen  in  Texas,  and  a  good  authority  on  this  sub- 
ject; therefore,  we  think  his  remarks  will  be  interesting  and  prof- 
itable to  all  readers  of  this  book: 

'^I  will  simply  state  that  in  my  opinion,  formed  after  the  most 
careful  investigation  of  the  present  status  of  the  horse  market, 
and  the  conditions  surrounding  the  horse-breeding  industry, 
that,  at  this  particular  time,  no  business  offers  greater  returns, 
with  the  same  degree  of  certainty,  than  the  breeding  and  careful 
raising  of  a  high  class  of  trotting  horse  suitable  for  track  and 


Dh.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  9 

road  purposes,  having  size,  substance,  good  looks,  good  behavior 
and  speed,  ordinary  or  great,  and  the  more  the  better.  My  rea- 
sons for  this  belief  will  be  given  very  briefly: 

"Breeding  has  been  almost  totally  abandoned  for  the  past  four 
years,  and  it  is  estimated  that  there  are  not  as  many  horses  in  the 
United  States  in  1897  as  there  were  in  1890  by  about  2,000,000, 
the  decrease  being  proportionately  much  larger  in  the  high 
grades  of  horses  than  in  the  cheaper  and  less  desirable  ones. 

"N'othing  but  very  high  prices  will  stimulate  the  people  to 
start  to  breeding  again;  and,  when  they  do  start,  the  scarcity  of 
merchantable  stock  will  be  intensified  by  the  number  of  mares 
that  will  be  withdrawn  from  ordinary  use  and  put  to  breeding. 
It  ^\dll  be  at  least  six  years  after  the  breeding  industry  is  well 
under  way  again  before  the  colts,  resulting  from  such  breeding, 
will  be  old  enough  for  general  use. 

"In  the  meantime,  there  will  be  a  great  scarcity  of  horses,  and 
corresponding  high  prices. 

"The  great  decline  in  prices  in  1893-96  was,  to  a  great  extent, 
brought  about  by  the  fact  that  during  the  prosperous  times,  when 
horses  were  very  high,  thousands  of  parties,  without  any  practical 
knowledge,  rushed  into  the  breeding  business,  using  anjiihing  in 
the  line  of  stallions  and  mares  that  was  ever  remotely  related  to 
anything  that  had  trotted,  paying  no  attention  to  size,  good  looks 
or  soundness. 

"In  a  great  many  instances,  the  stallions  and  mares  upon  so- 
called  trotting  farms  failed  to  produce  more  than  2  or  3  per  cent 
of  horses  that  could  be  made  to  go  in  2:30.  Of  course,  this  meant 
ruin  and  disaster  whenever  this  character  of  stock  was  forced 
upon  the  market,  as  intelligent  breeders  would  not  buy  them, 
and  to  the  general  public  they  were  of  no  more  value  than  the 
ordinary  horses  of  the  country. 

"This  indiscriminate  breeding  of  trotters  that  could  not  trot 
and  had  very  few  other  desirable  qualities,  very  materially  helped 
to  increase  the  number  of  horses  in  the  United  States  from  about 


10  De.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

11,000,000  in  1866  to  about  16,000,000  in  1890.  About  this 
time  the  country  began  to  feel  the  approach  of  an  impending 
panic,  money  began  to  be  scarce,  and  many  parties  who  had 
other  business  interests  to  protect  found  it  necessary  to  close 
out  their  horse  business  so  as  to  concentrate  their  funds,  and  ac- 
cordingly consigned  their  stock  to  the  auction  market. 

"The  decline  in  prices  was  precipitated  and  intensified  by  the 
fact  that  thousands  of  breeders  all  over  the  country,  discouraged 
at  the  outlook  and  influenced  to  some  extent  by  the  example  of 
others,  unreasoningly,  or  in  .some  cases  from  absolute  necessity, 
consigned  all  their  horses,  regardless  of  condition  or  fitness  for 
sale,  to  the  auction  markets.  As  no  one  at  this  time  was  buying 
breeding  .stock,  the  majority  of  these  horses  sold  at  ruinously  low 
prices,  and  the  very  publishing  of  these  low  prices  tended  to  keep 
up  the  panic  and  caused  almost  total  abandonment  of  the  horse- 
breeding  industry. 

"To-day,  the  condition  is  abnormal,  and  can  not  long  remain 
as  it  is,  to-wit,  good  horses  ready  for  use  are  already  scarce  and 
bring  remunerative  prices  in  the  chief  markets  of  the  country, 
but  brood  mares  and  immature  young  stock,  the  sources  from 
which  a  future  supply  of  merchantable  horses  must  come,  are 
abandoned  and  almost  without  price. 

"With  the  dawn  of  1897,  a  brighter  future  for  the  horse  busi- 
ness is  already  in  sight.  The  recent  sales  in  New  York,  Lexing- 
ton and  Chicago  have  averaged  almost  double  the  prices  realized 
in  the-  same  markets  for  the  .same  class  of  stock  one  year  ago. 

"European  parties,  too,  are  active  buyers  at  all  sales  in  the 
United  States  now,  and  the  recent  winning  of  the  greatest  race 
ever  trotted  in  the  old  world — the  grand  prize  at  St.  Petersburg, 
Eussia — ^by  an  American  trotting  mare,  will  give  an  increased 
impetus  to  the  rapidly  growing  demand  for  high  class  American 
horses  in  Europe.  This  is  evidenced  by  the  fact  that  within  the 
pa^t  ten  days  eighty-seven  richly-bred  trotting  horses  were  sold 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  11 

in  Lexington,  Ky.,  to  Kiiro})ean  parties,  for  the  sum  of  $98,800, 
and  shipped  on  the  steamship  Prussia  to  Vienna,  Austria. 

"The  great  success  that  has  been  attained  by  Woodburn  and 
kindred  farms  is  verydarg-ely  due  to  the  fact  that  they  have  per- 
sistently claimed  that  speed  follows  blood,  and  have  insisted  that 
their  stallions  t:nd  mares  should  be  of  the  highest  breeding. 
These  are  the  only  lines  upon  which  very  great  success  can  be 
assured.  'J' he  short,  or  half-bred,  animal  will  occasionally  pro- 
duce speed,  but  not  with  uniformity.  To  reach  the  highest  pin- 
nacle of  success,  a  breeder  must  determine  that  the  choicest  ani- 
male  he  raises  are  too  good  to  sell  and  must  be  kept  for  breeding. 

"If  you  will  start  with  the  best-bred  ones  that  you  can  com- 
mf.nd,  and  intelligently  grow  and  educate  their  offspring  for  a 
few  generations,  reserving  always  the  best,  we  may  yet  produce 
not  only  the  2:00,  but  the  1:50,  trotter  on  Texas  soil,  and  I  hope 
upon  the  Lomo  Alto  farm. 

"When  our  colts  have  long  lines  of  successful  speed-producers 
OK  the  side  of  both  sire  and  dam — with  size,  substance,  intelli- 
gence, docility  and  speed,  that  trot  naturally  and  with  little 
training — the  type  of  the  American  trotter  will  be  fixed,  and  the 
A\  ealthy  world  will  take  at  handsome  figures  all  that  we  can  raise. 
The  breeder  who  will  cause  500  bushels  of  oats  and  10  tons  of 
hay  to  produce  a  horse  worth  from  $500  to  possibly  many  thou- 
sands of  dollars,  instead  of  a  horse  worth  from  $25  to  $100,  wdll 
make  a  fortune  for  himself  and  set  an  example  that  should  be 
worth  millions  to  his  countrymen.^' 

In  selecting  a  vstallion  or  a  mare  for  breeding  purposes,  see 
that  they  are  of  a  kind  disposition,  good  form,  size  and  action, 
and  free  from  all  hereditary  diseases,  as  heaves,  roaring,  ophthal- 
mia, rupture,  spavin,  ring-bone,  weak  feet,  curby  hocks,  etc.  The 
colt  may  not  be  born  with  any  of  these  diseases,  but  if  the  sire 
or  dam  is  affected  with  one  or  more  of  them,  the  colt  is  liable  to 


12  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

be  born  weak  in  those  parts,  and  the  disease  is  very  liable  to  de- 
velop some  time  during  its  life. 

CARE  OF  THE  MARE. 

A  mare  should  have  a  certain  amount  of  special  care  during 
the  time  she  is  carrying  the  colt.  Regular,  gentle  work,  and  good 
f.eed,  is  to  be  preferred  to  no  work  and  half  feed.  During  the  last 
two  or  three  months  of  gestation,  great  care  should  be  taken  that 
the  mare  is  not  excited,  pulled  or  run  too  hard,  and  should  be 
kept  away  from  the  smell  of  fresh  blood. 

The  usual  time  for  a  mare  to  carry  a  colt  is  eleven  months, 
although  it  may  vary  between  ten  and  twelve  months.  Time 
should  be  arranged  so  that  the  colt  will  come  at  a  time  when 
there  is  ,«ome  grass,  as  the  mare  will  do  better  when  not  confined 
to  dry  feed.  The  virgin  mare,  or  one  that  has  not  had  a  colt  for 
at  least  one  year,  should  be  bred  when  in  season.  The  mare  that 
has  had  a  colt  will  be  found  in  season  (heat)  on  the  eighth  or 
ninth  day,  and  should  be  served  at  that  time.  After  serving  the 
mare,  tlie  days  for  trial  are  the  ninth  after  serving,  the  seventh 
after  this,  and  the  fifth  after  this  again.  Some  commence  again 
on  the  ninth  day,  and  follow  up  as  before,  making  forty-two  days 
in  all. 

The  mare  and  colt  should  be  well  fed  and  cared  for.  Moderate 
work,  with  good  feed,  will  not,  as  a  general  thing,  interfere  with 
the  colt's  growth,  but  we, think  a  mare  has  enough  to  do  if  she 
supplies  the  colt  with  sufficient  milk  for  its  growth  and  strength. 
If  the  mare  is  being  driven,  or  doing  farm  work,  the  colt  snould 
not  be  allowed  to  suck  while  the  mare  is  hot,  and  the  milk  fev- 
ered. When  the  colt  is  about  six  or  seven  months  old,  it  may  be 
weaned,  and  should  be  turned  into  a  good  pasture  away  from  the 
mare.  To  thrive  and  do  well,  the  colt  should  be  fed  a  little  oats 
and  bran  once  a  day.  If  possible,  keep  your  colts  and  horses 
away  from  barbed-wire  fences,  as  it  disfigures  and  ruins  a  large 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  13 

percentage  of  the  horses  in  this  country.  Colts  should  be  han- 
dled while  young,  if  this  is  possible,  and  educated  and  trained 
like  a  child,  and,  when  old  enough  to  work,  they  can  be  taught 
to  do  so  without  much  trouble.  Colts  can  be  broken  to  harness 
while  yearlings,  and  driven  lightly  at  the  age  of  two;  but  it  is 
better  not  to  put  them  to  hard  work  until  about  four  years  old. 


14 


Dk.  LeCxear's  Stock  Book. 


CHAPTER  IV. 
HOW  MEDICINES  SHOULD  BE  GIVEN. 

There  are  various  ways  by  wliich  medicines  may  be  given  to 
stock;  but,  as  every  hor.se  owner,  or  stock  man,  isn't  supposed  to 
be  a  professional  veterinarian,  nor  is  he  equipped  with  all  the 
necessary  instruments  and  appliances  for  treating  stock,  there- 
fore, we  w'll  endeavor  here  to  explain  a  few  of  the  most  con- 
venient and  useful  ways  by  which  medicines  can  be  administered 
by  any  person  competent  of  owning  stock: 


Fig.  1.     Drenching  Bit. 

(1)  By  the  Mouth. — Medicines  can  be  given  by  the  mouth 
in  the  form  of  drenches,  powders,  balls,  etc. 


Drenches. — This  is  the  most  connnon  and  universal  way  by 
which  medicines  are  given  to  animals.  Drenches  are  .to  be  given 
when  the  medicine  is  a  liquid,  and  the  dose  large.  Drenches 
must  be  given  by  the  mouth,  and  never  through  the  nose.    Medi- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  15 

cines  given  through  the  nose  are  very  liable  to  irritate  the  nasal 
chambers,  strangle  the  animal,  and  cause  death — some  times  in 
a  very  short  time.  Water  should  never  be  poured  through  the 
nose  to  make  a  horse  swallow.  Do  not  rub,  pinch  or  pound  the 
throat,  nor  draw  out  the  tongue,  when  giving  a  drench.  These 
will  not  aid  the  horse  to  swallow,  but  are  very  liable  to  do  much 
harm.  AVhen  medicines  are  to  be  given  as  a  drench,  they  should 
be  put  in  enough  water  or  oil  to  dissolve  or  dilute  them.  Medi- 
cines given  not  sufficiently  diluted  are  liable  to  burn  or  irritate 
the  mouth  and  throat.  The  mast  convenient  way  of  giving  a 
drench  is  by  the  use  of  the  drenching  bit  (Fig.  No.  1).  The  med- 
icine is  poured  into  the  funnel  at  the  side  of  the  mouth,  and  it 
runs  out  of  the  little  hole  in  the  hollow  bit  that  is  in  his  mouth. 
By  having  the  head  slightly  elevated,  the  horse  will  swallow  the 
medicine  without  any  trouble.  The  next  best  way  to  give  a 
drench  is  to  put  on  a  bridle,  with  a  straight,  smooth  bit.  Tie 
a  small  rope  or  strap  to  each  ring  of  the  bridle  rings,  and  pull 
the  head  up  by  this  means.  A  loop  may  be  made  on  the  end  of  a 
rope  large  enough  to  go  around  the  upper  jaw,  and  back  of  the 
front  teeth,  and  the  head  pulled  up  with  the  rope  over  a  limb  of 
a  tree,  or  beam  in  the  .stable.  Don't  pull  the  head  up  too  high, 
but  just  high  enough  so  the  medicine  will  not  run  out  of  his 
mouth.  Use  a  smooth,  strong,  long-necked  bottle,  in  which 
have  the  medicine.  Pull  the  head  up,  and  insert  the  neck  of  the 
bottle  into  the  mouth  from  the  side,  and  pour  not  over  four 
ounces  of  the  medicine  at  one  time.  Remove  the  bottle,  and  if 
the  horse  doesn't  work  his  jaws,  rub  the  roof  of  his  mouth  with 
your  thumb,  which  will  make  him  work  his  jaws  and  swallow. 
Be  very  careful,  and  don't  let  the  horse  crush  the  neck  of  the 
bottle  between  hi,s  jaw  teeth.  If  he  should  break  the  bottle,  or 
cough  and  strangle,  let  the  head  down  at  once.  You  may  stand 
on  a  box  or  stool  to  give  a  drench. 

Cows  can  be  easily  drenched  by  grasping  the  nose  with  the 


16  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

thumb  and  middle  finger  of  the  left  hand,  and  pouring  the-  medi- 
cine down  with  the  right  hand. 

Powders. — Powders  are  generally  given  mixed  with  damp  feed, 
or  dissolved  in  the  drinking  water.  They  should  be  finely  pow- 
dered, and  all  bitter  powders  that  are  to  be  given  in  the  feed 
should  be  scented  or  sweetened  with  a  little  powdered  anise  seed, 
fenugreen  or  sugar.  They  should  never  be  put  in  the  feed  dry, 
but  either  mixed  in  a  bran  mash,  dampened  shelled  oats,  soaked 
shelled  corn,  etc.  Those  that  are  not  bitter  and  are  readily  dis- 
solved, can  be  given  in  the  drinking  water.  Small  doses  of  pow- 
ders, such  as  our  Condition  Powders,  can  be  put  away  back  on  a 
horse's  tongue  dry,  with  a  long-handled  spoon,  without  wasting 
them.  Powders  can  also  be  given  as  a  drench  by  being  shaken 
up  in  one-half  pint  of  water  in  a  long-necked  bottle. 

Balls. — This  is  a  means  by  which  very  few  horse  owners  can, 
with  any  degree  of  satisfaction,  give  medicine  to  a  horse.  When 
a  ball  is  properly  made,  it  is  about  two  inches  long  and  three- 
quarters  of  an  inch  in  diameter.  Balls  are  frequently  used  by 
veterinary  surgeons  when  they  wish  to  give  medicine  that  is  ex- 
tremely disagreeable  or  nauseating.  They  should  be  made  up 
fresh  and  rolled  into  tissue  paper  before  given.  They  should  be 
made  up  with  glycerine,  vaseline,  or  soft  soap.  Gelatine  capsules 
large  enough  for  veterinary  use  are'now  made  and  are  very  use- 
ful and  convenient  for  giving  balls.  The  way  balls  are  given  is 
to  grasp  the  tongue  with  the  left  hand,  and  with  the  right  hand 
place  the  ball  back  on  the  root  of  the  horse's  tongue,  and  on  let- 
ting the  tongue  go  he  swallows  it.  The  mouth  speculum  (Fig. 
Xo.  9)  may  be  used  to  open  the  mouth  and  prevent  a  horse  from 
biting  you  while  giving  a  ball.  Don't  shove  a  ball  down  a  horse's 
throat  with  a  stick,  as  you  are  very  liable  to  injure  his  throat  in 
that  way. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


17 


Mm^mm9m*>' 


Fig.  2.    Hypodermic  Syringe. 

(2)  Under  the  Skin. — Medicines  are  frequently  given  under 
the  skin  by  the  use  of  a  hypodermic  syringe  (Fig.  No.  2).  This 
is  called  the  hypodermic  (hypo.,  under;  dermic,  the  skin)  method 
of  giving  medicine.  Such  medicines  as  morphine,  atropene,  co- 
caine, eserine,  pilocarpine,  etc.,  are  given  in  this  way.  Great 
care  should  be  taken  in  giving  these  medicines  in  this  way,  be- 
cause they  are  all  poisons,  and  must  be  used  with  care.  The 
needle  should  be  perfectly  clean,  so  as  not  to  poison  the  animal. 
In  the  neck,  or  on  the  shoulder,  is  the  preferable  place  to  give 
medicine  hypodermically. 


{^)  By  Inhalation. — In  certain  head,  throat,  and  lung  trou- 
bles, inhalation  of  steam,  containing  a  small  quantity  of  such 
medicines  as  camplior,  carbolic  acid;  turpentine,  etc.,  is  very 
beneficial.  Chloroform  and  sulphuric  ether,  are  inhaled  through 
tlie  nose  for  anaesthetic  purposes.     To  put  a  horse  to  slaep,  use 


18  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

pure  chloroform;  but  with  the  dog,  use  two  parts  ether  and  one 
part  chloroform. 

(4)  By  the  Rectum. — Medicines  are  injected  into  the  rectum 
to  kill  pin-worms  found  in  the  rectum,  to  stimulate  the  action 
of  the  bowels,  and  clean  out  the  rectum.  This  is  done  with  a 
large  syringe  or  injection  pump.  Stimulating  medicines  and 
foods  may  be  injected  into  the  rectum,  to  be  absorbed  by  the  cir- 
culation, during  sickness. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  19 

CHAPTER  V. 
ORGANS  OF  RESPIRATION  (BREATHING). 

The  principal  organs  of  breathing  are  the  nostrils,  nasal  cham- 
bers, larynx,  windpipe,  and  the  lungs.  Owing  to  the-  large  size 
of  a  horse's  soft  palate,  he  can  not  breathe  through  his 
mouth,  but  must  breathe  through  his  nostrils  entirely.  The 
mucous  membrane  lining  the  nostrils  and  the  chambers  in 
a  horse's  head  is  very  delicate  and  sensitive",  and  by  a 
horse  breathing  through  his  nostrils  exclusively  explains  why  a 
horse  catches  cold,  distemper,  etc.,  so  easily.  The  larynx  is  situ- 
ated in  the  throat,  and  is  the  entrance  to  the  windpipe.  It  be- 
comes affected  in  the  d'.sease  called  roaring.  The  windpipe  is 
the  tube  that  conveys  the  air  from  the  larynx  to  the  lungs.  It 
can  be  felt  plainly  in  the  front  of  a  horse's  neck.  The  lungs  are 
the  principal  organs  of  breathing.  They  consist  of  two  light, 
soft,  spongy  masses,  one  on  either  side,  commonly  called  the 
"lights,"  being  situated  entirely  in  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  On 
the  outside,  the  lungs  are  completely  covered  by  a  thin,  shining 
membrane,  called  the  pleura,  which  also  lines  the  chest  cavity. 
The  healthy  lungs  of  any  animal,  after  birth,  will  float  on  wa- 
ter, but  will  not  before  birth.  It  is  in  the  lungs  that  the  blood  is 
purified — the  oxygen  in  the  pure  air  that  the  animal  breathes 
comes  in  contact,  as  it  were,  with  the  impurities  in  the  blood, 
burning  it  up,  and  converts  it  into  a  substance  called  carbon 
dioxide,  which  is  thrown  off  from  the  lungs  as  a  poisonous  gas. 


20  Dr.  LeGbar's  Stock  Book. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  ORGANS  OF  RESPIRATION. 
CATAREH— COLD  IN  THE  HEAD. 

Catarrh,  as  meant  in  this  article,  is  a  discharge  of  fluid  from 
the  lining  of  the  air  passages  of  the  head  (nose). 

Causes. — Sudden  changes  in  the  weather,  exposure  to  cold  and 
wet,  badly  ventilated  stables,  impure  air,  etc.  The  disease  is 
mostly  seen  in  young  horses. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  duller  than  usual,  and  may  or  may 
not  have  a  cough.  The  discharge,  which  is  at  first  thin  and  wa- 
tery, is  usually  from  both  nostrils,  but  soon  becomes  thicker  and 
more  abundant,  and  yellowish-white  in  appearance.  It  is  liable 
to  run  into  congestion  of  the  lungs  if  the  animal  is  put  to  work 
too  soon.  It  usually  runs  a  favorable  course  in  from  six  to  ten 
days. 

Treoiment. — The  treatment  for  cold  in  the  head  is  very  sim- 
ple, if  taken  in  time;  and  usually  terminates  favorably.  Protect 
the  animal  from  the  cold  and  wet  by  keeping  it  in  a  comfortable 
place,  with  plenty  of  fresh  air.  As  a  general  thing,  all  the  med- 
icine that  is  necessary  to  give  is  our  Condition  Powder  in  one 
teaspoonful  doses,  morning  and  night,  in  bran  mashes  or  other 
damp  feed.  If  there  is  a  cough  present,  bathe  the  throat  w^ell 
with  our  Liniment  morning  and  night.  Feed  on  soft,  damp 
food.  In  very  severe  cases,  if  the  animal  is  much  weak,  give  the- 
following: 


Dr.  LeGbab's  Stock  Book.  21 

Sweet  nitre 1  ounce. 

Alcohol 2  ounces. 

Nitrate  of  potash   2  drains. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  giv.6  as  a  drench  twice  a  day  until  the  animal 
is  better. 

Steaming  the  head  by  having  the  animal  inhale-  the  steam  of 
hoi  water  containing  a  little  carbolic  acid,  camphor,  or  turpen- 
tine, is  beneficial  in  bad  cases.  Apply  our  Liniment,  and  give 
our  Condition  Powders  regularly  until  the  cough  and  discharge 
from  the  nose  .entirely  stops, 

LARYNGITIS— SOEE  THROAT. 

Laryngitis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
Jarynx  (the  upper  part  of  the  windpipe).  It  is  a  serious  aifection, 
and  very  often  causes  the  death  of  the  animal. 

Causes. — Are  about  the  same  as  those  causing  catarrh:  as,  ex- 
posure to  cold  and  wet,  changes  in  the  weather,  draughts  of  cold 
air,  giving  certain  irritating  medicines,  etc. 

Symptoms. — About  the  first  thing  noticed  is  a  cough,  followed 
by  a  difficulty  in  swallowing,  so  that  the  water,  and  in  some  cases 
the  food,  is  returned  through  the  nose.  The  mouth  is  hot,  and 
froth  dribbles  from  it.  Pressure  on  the  throat  causes  a  violent 
fit  of  coughing.  The  animal  usually  stands  with  his  head  "poked 
out."  The  membrane  in  the  nose  becomes  red.  The  discharge 
from  the  nostrils,  if  profuse  and  coming  away  freely,  is  to  be  re- 
garded as  a  good  sign. 

Treatment. — During  an  attack  of  sore  throat,  the  horse  should 
be  laid  off  work,  and  fed  on  soft,  easily  digested  food:  as,  bran 


22  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

mashes,  chops,  boiled  oats,  linseed  meal,  and,  best  of  all,  green 
orass,  if  it  can  be  had.  In  ordinary  cases,  all  the  medicine  neces- 
sary is  Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment  (see  Appendix),  well  rubbed  on  the 
throat  morning  and  night,  and  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders, 
given  in  the  feed  morning  and  evening.  The  Liniment  will  draw 
the  soreness  out  of  the  throat,  while  the  Condition  Powders  will 
cure  the  cough  and  build  up  the  animal's  system.  In  very  bad 
cases,  the  horse  may  be  made  to  inhale  steam  from  hot  water,  into 
which  has  been  put  a  little  camphor,  carbolic  acid,  or  turpentine. 
If  there  is  much  fever,  ten  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  may  be 
given  every  four  hours  in  a  little  water.  One-half  teaspoonful 
each  of  chlorate  and  nitrate  of  potassium  may  be  given  two  or 
three  times  per  day  in  the  drinking  water,  or  put  on  the  tongue. 

NASAL  AND  PHARYNGEAL  POLYPI. 

These  are  tumors,  usually  of  a  fibrous  nature,  situated  in  the 
air  passages.  They  usually  have  a  small  neck,  with  a  free  ex- 
panded extremity. 

Causes. — These  growth  are  often  the  result  of  irritation  of 
the  membrane  lining  the  parts,  and  often  occur  without  any  ap- 
parent cause. 

Symptoms. — There  is  generally  a  discharge  from  the  nostril 
on  the  affected  side,  which  may  be  bloody.  The  breathing  may 
become  very  difficult,  even  to  such  an  extent  as  to  cause  the  ani- 
mal to  fall  down. 

Treatment. — Make  an  examination,  and  if  it  has  a  small  neck 
try  to  remove  it  with  the  ecrasure.  If  in  the  nose,  you 
might  be  able  to  seize  it  with  a  pair  of  forceps  and  twist  it  otf. 
The  bleeding  is  often  excessive,  and  there  is  always  danger  of  the 
blood  escaping  into  the  lungs  and  causing  death. 


Dr.  LeGexIr's  Stock  Book.  2a 


BLEEDING  FROM  THE  NOSE— EPISTAXIS. 

This  often  occurs  in  connection  with  other  diseases,  but  may 
occur  as  an  independent  disorder. 

Causes. — It  may  occur  as  a  result  of  an  injury,  as  a  kick,  blow, 
etc.,  causing  rupture  of  a  blood  vessel  in  the  nose.  Sometimes 
severe  exertion  will  also  burst  a  blood  vessel,  while  bleeding  oc- 
curs at  times  without  any  known  cause. 

Symptoms. — The  bleeding  is  almost  always  from  one  nostril 
onlv,  and  is  never  very  serious — usually  in  drops. 

Treatment. — Pour  cold  water  over  the  face  and  head,  or  hang 
a  bag  with  ice  in  it  on  the  face.  If  necessary,  plug  the  nostril 
with  cotton  wet  in  cold  water.  Of  course  only  plug  one  nostril  at 
a  time.  If  this  does  not  check  the  bleeding,  give  1  dram  acetate 
of  lead  dissolved  in  a  pint  of  water,  or  give  1  ounce  of  turpentine 
in  warm  milk. 

SPASM  OF  THE  LARYNX. 

Spasm  of  the  larynx  most  commonly  occurs  amongst  old 
horses,  and  is  due  in  the  majority  of  cases  to  cerebral  (brain) 
disturbance. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  is  very  sudden.  In  some  cases  a  frothy 
spume  issues  from  the  nostrils;  the  breathing  is  very  difficult, 
loud  and  labored;  the  animal  staggers,  struggles  for  breath,  and 
finally  falls. 

Treatment. — Hypodermic  injections  of  morphine,  inhalations 
of  chloroform,  administrations  of  opium,  etc.,  is  the  proper  line 
of  treatment.  When  due  to  cerebral  disturbance  give  the  fol- 
lowing as  a  drench: 


24  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Bromide  of  potassa 4  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix. 

CHRONIC  COUGH. 

It  may  exist  without  any  apparent  cause.  It  may  follow  laryn- 
gitis, and  may  be  associated  with  chest  diseases,  indigestion,  etc. 

Treatment. — Carefully  avoid  the  feeding  of  bad  hay  and  oats, 
dusty  food,  etc.,  and  give  1  dram  of  antimony  twice  a  day  for 
ten  days;  or  give  the  following  old  reliable  remedy: 

Calomel 6  drams. 

Digitalis 6  drams. 

Camphor 6  drams. 

Powdered  opium 6  drams. 

Mix  and  divide  into  12  powders,  and  ^ive  one  every 
other  morning  before  feeding. 

CHRONIC  CATARRH— NASAL  GLEET. 

This  is  characterized  by  a  continuous  discharo^e  of  a  thick, 
white,  or  yellowish-white  matter  from  one  or  both  nostrils. 

Causes. — The  commonest  cause  is  a  neglected  or  badly  treated 
cold,  usually  following  those  cases  where  the  horse  has  been  ex- 
posed, been  over-worked,  or  has  not  received  proper  food.  Other 
causes  are:  blows  on  the  head  and  face,  diseased  teeth,  tumors, 
fractures,  or  particles  of  food  or  other  foreign  bodies  getting  in 
the  passages  of  the  head. 

Symptoms. — The  discharge  from  the  nose  is  at  first  white, 
;soon  becomes  yellow,  and  sticks  around  the  nostrils,  but  gener- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  25 

ally  is  not  so  sticky  as  the  discharge  of  glanders.  The  lining 
membrane  in  the  nose  is  reddened  at  first,  but  soon  takes  on  a 
paler  color,  but  has  no  ulcers.  Slight  enlargement  of  the  bones 
of  the  face  may  be  seen,  and  tapping  the  enlargement  with  the 
knuckles  a  dull  dead  sound  is  heard,  indicating  that  there  is 
matter  beneath.  In  such  cases'  the  breathing  may  be  affected. 
When  the  bones  are  diseased  the  discharge  will  have  a  disagree- 
able odor. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  this  disease  is  very  important, 
owing  to  the  fact  that  animals  affected  with  it  (nasal  gleet)  are 
very  liable  to  take  the  glanders  if  exposed  to  the  contagion. 
Nasal  gleet  will  not  run  into  the  glanders,  but  it  weakens  the 
animal's  system  and  makes  it  verv^  liable  to  take  the  glanders  if 
exposed.  If  taken  in  time  most  of  cases  of  this  disease  can  be 
cured,  but  after  it  is  let  run  on  for  several  months  it  is  then  vei-y 
tedious  and  hard  to  cure.  It  may  be  well  to  quarantine  (remove 
it  from  other  horses  and  mules)  the  animal  for  a  few  days  and 
give  large  doses  of  blood  tonics  as  the  following: 

Sulphate  of  iron 3     ounces. 

Iodide  of  potassium 2^  ounces. 

Mix,  and  make  20  powders,  and  give  one  night  and 
morning  in  damp  feed. 

When  the  above  are  all  given  get  the  following  prescription 
filled  and  give  as  directed: 

Sulphate  of  copper 3  ounces. 

Powdered  nux  vomica 2  ounces. 

Powdered  gentian 3  ounces. 

Powdered  anise  seed \  ounce. 

Mix,  and  make  20  powders,  and  give  one  night  and 
morning  in  damp  feed. 


Dji.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book. 


Fig.  3.    Trephine. 

Sometimes  a  good  blister  applied  to  the  face  will  be  bene- 
ficial. If  there  is  an  accumulation  of  matter  in  the  sinuses  of 
the  face  the  only  relief  will  be  the  operation  of  trephining,  which 
is  done  by  boring  into  the  head  with  a  trephine  (Fig.  3)  and 
allowing  the  matter  to  escape.  If  the  nasal  gleet  is  the  result  of 
a  diseased  tooth,  the  tooth  must  be  removed. 

KOARING. 

Roaring  may  be  defined  to  be  breathing  with  a  loud  and  un- 
natural sound  during  violent  exercise.  Roaring  in  itself  is  not 
a  disease,  but  it  is  only  a  symptom  of  disease.  Wheezing  and 
whistling  are  only  different  forms  of  the  ,same  disease,  and  both 
finally  terminate  in  roaring. 

Causes. — Roaring  is  caused  by  some  obstruction  to  the  free 
passage  of  air  in  the  larynx  (upper  part  of  windpipe).  Such  dis- 
eases as  laryngitis,  distemper,  etc.,  are  liable  to  terminate  in 
roaring.  No  doubt  hereditary  transmission  has  a  great  deal  to 
do  with  it.  Tight  reining  may  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  causes 
of  roaring,  but,  after  all  other  causes  are  mentioned,  it  will  be 
found  that  nine  out  of  every  ten  well-established  cases  of  roaring 
are  caused  by  paralysis  of  the  muscles  of  the.  larynx;  the  muscles 
of  the  left  side  are  almost  invariably  the  ones  affected. 

Symptoms. — The  best  way  to  test  whether  a  horse  is  a  "roarer^' 
is  to  either  make  him  pull  a  load  rapidly  up  a  hill  or  over  a  sandy 
road  or  soft  groimd;  or,  if  he  is  a  saddle  horse,  gallop  him  up  a 


Dr.  LeG ear's  Stock  Book.  27 

h^ll.  After  which  the  animal  may  be  suddenly  stopped,  and  by 
immediately  placing  the  ear  to  the  nose  and  throat,  any  unnat- 
ural sound  may  be  heard.  The  above  method  of  examination  is 
to  be  recommended  in  all  cases,  as  some  cases  of  roaring  are  so 
slight  as  to  be  rather  diflicult  to  detect.  In  may  cases,  the  char- 
acteristic sound  can  be  heard  at  a  distance.  Another  test  is,  to 
give  exercise,  then  stand  the  animal  by  a  wall,  his  head  firmly 
held  by  an  attendant.  Now,  with  a  whip  make  a  motion  as 
though  you  were  going  to  .strike  the  animal,  when  he  will  start 
forward  very  suddenly,  and,  if  affected,  will  usually  make  the 
grunt  peculiar  to  "roarers." 

Treatment. — This  disease,  when  once  established,  is  incurable. 
But  relief  may  be  afforded  by  an  operation  called  tracheotomy, 
by  which  a  hole  is  cut  in  the  front  of  the  windpipe  and  a  tube 
(Fig.  No.  4)  put  in,  through  which  the  animal  may  breathe, 
and  get  sufficient  air  to  undergo  severe  exercise  without  distress. 
This  is  a  delicate  operation,  and  should  be  undertaken  only 
by  experienced  veterinary  surgeons.  Relief  may  be  afforded  if 
taken  in  time  by  giving  1  dram  of  iodide  of  potassium  twice  a 
day  for  two  or  three  weeks.  Sometimes,  a  good  blister  applied 
to  the  throat  is  beneficial.  A  "roarer"  should  never  be  used  for 
breeding  purposes,  as  the  disease  is  very  likely  to  be  transmitted 
tu  the  colt.«.  In  roaring,  the  disease  is  in  the  throat,  and  the 
horse  has  difficulty  in  getting  enough  air  into  the  lungs  for  fast 
work,  while  heaves  is  an  affection  of  the  lungs,  and  the  horse  has 
difficulty  in  forcing  the  air  out  of  the  lungs. 


28  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


TRACHITIS. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  trachea 
(windpipe). 

Cause. — It  is  generally  due  to  the  presence  of  some  foreign 
body,  or  exists  as  a  complication  of  sore  throat. 

Symptoms. — The  breathing  is  somewhat  hibored,  and  on  plac- 
ing the  ear  to  the  windpipe  a  rattling  sound  may  be  plainly 
heard.    There  is  usually  a  discharge  from  the  nose. 

Treatment. — CHp  off  the  long  hair  over  the  course  of  the  wind- 
pipe, and  apply  Dr.  Le Gear's  liniment,  or  put  on  a  mustard 
plaster.  Give,  in  each  bucket  of  the  animal's  drinking  water,  2 
drams  of  chlorate  of  potash.  Clothe  the  patient  well,  and  keep 
out  of  draughts,  and  don't  allow  the  animal  to  breathe  very  cold 
air. 

BEONCHITIS. 

Bronchitis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
tubes  which  branch  from  the  windpipe  and  carry  the  air  to  and 
from  the  lungs.  It  is  more  dangerous  when  the  .smaller  tubes  are 
affected. 

Causes. — The  disease  may  be  caused  by  exposure  to  cold  and 
wet,  sudden  changes  in  the  weather,  standing  in  draughts  of  cold 
air,  improperly  giving  medicine — as,  forcing  it  down,  or  giving 
it  through  the  nose,  a  part  of  it  passing  into  the  windpipe,  thence 
to  the  bronchial  tubes,  causing  inflammation.  A  drench  should 
never  be  given  through  the  nose.  Other  causes  are,  breathing 
irritating  gases  and  smoke,  foreign  bodies  getting  into  the  parts, 
etc 


Dr.  LeGtear's  Stock  Book.  29 

Symptoms. — At  first,  there  is  noticed  a  chill,  quickly  followed 
by  fever.  The  animal  usually  stands,  and  has  a  somewhat  dry, 
husky  cough.  On  placing  the  ear  to  the  chest,  a  rattling,  or 
coarse,  wheezing  sound  may  be  heard,  indicating  that  the  large 
tubes  are  affected;  or  a  his,sing  or  whistling  sound,  showing  that 
the  small  tubes  are  the  ones  affected.  A  discharge  from  the  nose 
soon  follows,  which,  if  yellow,  may  be  regarded  as  a  good  sign; 
but,  if  it  is  of  a  reddish  or  rusty  color,  it  is  to  be  regarded  as  an 
unfavorable  symptom. 

Treatment. — Put  the  animal  in  a  comfortable  box-stall,  free 
from  draughts;  cover  the  body  with  a  blanket — light  or  heavy, 
according  to  the  season  of  the  year.  Hand-rub  the  legs  until 
they  are  warm,  after  which  apply  flannel  bandages,  from  the 
hoofs  to  the  knees  and  hocks.  Don't  fail  to  apply  Dr.  LeGear's 
Liniment  (see  xA.ppendix)  well  over  the  side  and  front  of  chest, 
behind  the  elbow  and  shoulder  blades,  covering  a  large  surface. 
Rub  the  Liniment  in  well  every  day.  Put  a  tablespoonful  of  oil 
of  turpentine  in  a  bucket  of  boiling  water,  and  make  the  animal 
inhale  the  steam.  In  bad  cases,  the  steam  should  be  inhaled 
every  hour.    Give  as  a  drench  three  times  per  day  the  following: 

Solution  of  acetate  of  ammonia 3  ounces. 

Spirits  of  nitrous  ether 2  ounces. 

Bicarbonate  of  potassium 4  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix. 

If  much  pain  is  manifested  in  drenching,  you  better  not 
drench,  but  put  in  each  bucket  of  drinking  water,  if  the  animal 
will  drink,  one  tablespoonful  of  bicarbonate  of  potassium.  If 
the  horse  won't  eat,  and  seems  weak,  give  the,  following  drench 
every  four  or  five  hours: 


80  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Sweet  nitre 2  ounces. 

Alcohol 2  ounces. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix. 

li'  the  bowels  are  constipated,  give  injections  per  rectum  of 
warm  water.    Don't  give  a  purgative;  don't  bleed. 

HAEMOPTYSIS— BLEEDING  FROM  THE  LUXGS. 

Causes. — Bleeding  from  the  lungs  is  often  associated  with 
congestion  of  the  lungs,  bronchitis,  pneumonia,  etc.  Aside  from 
these  conditions  the  principal  cause  is  the  performance  of  some 
severe  exertion  when  not  in  suitable  condition;  most  commonly 
met  with  in  trotting  and  running  horses,  and  in  those  in  fine 
condition. 

Symptoms. — When  the  blood  comes  from  the  lungs  the  ani- 
mal has  a  cough,  and  the  blood  is  frothy  and  comes  from  both 
nostrils.  The  ear  may  be  placed  against  the  windpipe  along  its 
course,  and  if  the  blood  is  from  the  lungs  a  gurgling  or  rattling 
sound  will  be  heard. 

Treatment. — It  is  very  seldom  this  trouble  needs  any  internal 
treatment.  If  the  blood  is  profuse  and  continues  for  any  length 
of  time,  give: 

Turpentine   1  ounce. 

Raw  linseed  oil 8  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  in  one  hour  if 
necessary. 

One  ounce  tincture  of  iron  may  be  given  in  one  pint  of  water. 
Keep  the  animal  quiet  and  in  a  cool  place  for  several  hours.    If 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  31 

th£  coughing  is  severe,  give  1  ounce  tincture  of  opium  as  a 
drench  in  1  pint  of  water. 

CONGESTION  OF  THE  LUNGS. 

Congestion  of  the  lungs  is  simplv  an  excess  of  blood  in  the 
vessels  of  the  parts  affected.  It  may  be  considered  as  the  first 
stage  of  inflammation. 

Causes.  —  Congestion  of  the  lungs  in  the  horse  is  usually 
caused  by  being  put  to  rapid  work  and  severe  exertion  when  the 
animal  is  not  in  a  fit  condition  to  undergo  more  than  moderate 
exercise.  Driving  an  animal  while  suffering  from  certain  dis- 
eases, as  simple  catarrh,  distemper,  etc.,  keeping  in  damp,  badly 
ventilated  stables,  impure  air,  draughts,  etc.,  are  all  causes  of 
congestion  of  the  lungs.  The  disease  runs  its  course  within  a 
period  varying  from  8  or  10  hours  to  several  days. 

Symptoms. — Most  any  intelligent  person  should  be  able  to 
recognize  a  case  of  congestion  of  the  lungs  when  caused  by  over- 
exertion, as  the  history  of  the  case  is  sufficient  to  point  out  the 
trouble.  The  animal  is  noticed  to  stand  with  his  head  down,  legs 
spread  out,  breathing  becomes  very  difficult,  with  fiapping  of  the 
nostrils,. cold  sweats  break  out,  and  the  ears  and  extremities  soon 
become  deathly  cold,  which  is  well  marked  during  cold. weather. 
If  the  pulse  can  be  felt  at  all,  it  will  be  found  to  be  quick  and 
weak.  The  temperature  gradually  rises,  there  is  trembling  of  the 
flanks,  and  by  placing  your  ear  to  the  sides  of  the  chest  the  char- 
acteristic sounds  (a  kind  of  snoring  sound)  of  congestion  of  the 
lungs  are  heard. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  this  trouble  should  be  prompt 
and  energetic.    Give  some  good  diffusible  stimulant  as: 


32  Dr.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book. 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 2  ounces. 

Whiskey 4  ounces. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  every  two  or  three 
hours  until  the  horse  is  not  so  distressed. 

The  animal  should  be  well  blanketed.  The  legs  should  be 
bathed  with  hot  water  and  then  bandaged  with  woolen  bandages. 
Don't  put  the  patient  in  a  close  stable,  but  allow  plenty  of  fresh 
air.  Instead  of  the  above  prescription,  you  may  give  1  ounce 
of  tincture  of  arnica  in  one-half  pint  of  water  every  hour  until 
relieved.  Or  turpentine,  1  ounce,  may  be  given  in  one-half  pint 
of  new  milk.  Give  the  animal  plenty  of  pure  cold  water  and 
good,  nutritious,  easily  digested  food,  as  grass,  boiled  oats,  bran 
mash,  linseed  meal,  etc.  After  the  alarming  symptoms  have 
passed  off  you  may  give: 

Tincture  ginger  1  ounce. 

Tincture  iron 2  drams. 

Tincture  gentian 2  ounces. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench  every  six  hours  for  a  couple 
of  days. 

Care  should  be  taken  of  the  animal  for  several  days.  During 
recovery  give  as  directed  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders  night 
and  morning  in  damp  feed  for  several  days. 

PNEUMONIA— LUNG  FEVER. 

This  is  inflammation  of  the  lungs.  Both  lungs  may  be  at- 
tacked, but,  as  a  general  rule,  one  lung  only  is  afflicted,  and  that 
is  usually  the  right  one. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  33 

Causes.  —  Exposure  to  wet  and  cold,  standing  in  draughts, 
neglected  catarrh,  etc.,  are  among  the  causes  to  be  mentioned. 
It  may  also  be  caused  by  irritating  substances,  as  certain  medi- 
cines, inhalation  of  smoke,  and  breathing  the  air  of  badly  venti- 
lated stables.  Such  diseases  as  bronchitis,  laryngitis,  etc.,  may 
terminate  in  pneumonia. 

Symptoms.— At  first  the  animal  has  a  chill,  which  is  generally 
overlooked.  The  breathing  becomes  quickened,  and  the  animal 
hangs  its  head  and  has  a  very  dull  appearance.  The  mouth  is 
hot,  indicating  fever,  and  has  a  sticky  feeling.  The  .pulse  soon 
runs  np  to  80  or  100  or  more  per  minute,  and  if  the  temperature 
is  taken  it  will  be  found  to  have  risen  to  103  degrees  Fahrenheit, 
or  higher.  There  is  usually  a  cough  from  the  beginning.  The 
temperature  of  the  legs  and  ears  is  changeable— sometimes  hot 
and  sometimes  cold.  The  discharge  from  the  nose  may  be  tinged 
with  blood,  while  in  others  it  has  a  mattery  appearance.  In  this 
disease  the  ox  usually  lies  down,  while  the  horse  always  stands, 
usually  with  his  head  toward  the  stable  door  to  get  all  the  fresh 
air  possible.  By  placing  the  ear  to  the  side  of  the  chest  during 
the  first  stage  of  the  disease  a  sound  is  heard  quite  similar  to 
that  made  by  rubbing  a  lock  of  hair  between  the  thumb  and 
fingers. 

Flapping  of  the  nostrils  after  a  few  days'  illness  is  a  very  bad 
sympton;  in  such  cases,  usually  in  the  course  of  four  or  five  days, 
a  brownish  or  rusty-colored  discharge  may  be  observed  flowing 
from  the  nose;  the  eyes  take  on  a  peculiar  stare,  and  the  patient 
seems  to  be  unconscious  of  everything  going  on  around  Mm. 
The  pulse  now  becomes  very  quick  and  w^ak,  body  and  legs 
deathly  cold;  the  patient  may  lie  down  for  a  few  minutes,  then 
get  up,  stagger,  fall,  and  rise  no  more.  Death  may  take  place  in 
from  three  to  twenty  days. 

Pneumonia  is  not  a  very  fatal  disease  if  taken  in  time  and 
treated  properly. 


34  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — It  is  very  necessary  that  the  p^ient  be  ke})t  .s 
comfortable  as  possible,  and  plenty  of  fresh  air  allowed.  If  the 
weather  is  cool  or  cold,  cover  the  animal  with  blankets.  Rub  the 
legs  well,  and  apply  woolen  bandages  to  them  to  keep  them  warm. 
Give  the  horse  plenty  of  cold  water  to  drink,  and  his  food  should 
be  nutritious  and  easily  digested.  If  the  fever  is  high  and  tlie 
pulse  strong,  give  15  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  every  four  hours 
as  a  drench  in  half  a  pint  of  cold  water.  The  following  should 
be  given  to  keep  up  the  animal's  strength: 

Liquor  acetate  of  ammonia 4  ounces. 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 2  ounces. 

Alcohol 2  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  2  ounces  every  four  hours  in  one-half 
pint  of  cold  water. 

One  teaspoonful  of  nitrate  of  potassium  should  be  put  in  the 
drinking  water  twice  a  day. 

It  is  very  necessary  that  applications  be  applied  to  the  sides, 
such  as  Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment,  well  rubbed  in  on  the  ribs  two 
or  three  times  per  day,  or  a  mustard  paste  may  be  well  rubbed 
into  the  hair  and  let  remain.  Blankets  wrung  out  of  hot  water 
and  applied  around  the  chest  are  good.  Don't  give  too  much 
medicine  in  this  disease.  The  great  object  is  to  keep  the  animal 
comfortable  and  keep  up  his  strength  with  nutritious  food  and 
stimulants.  If  the  horse  don't  eat  much,  raw  eggs  and  new  milk 
may  be  given  with  the  medicine  to  keep  up  the  strength.  Jf 
the  bowels  are  costive  give  enemas  of  warm  water.  When  the 
animal  begins  to  improve  give  him  freely  of  Dr.  LeGear's  Con- 
dition Powders  (see  Appendix),  which  is  a  good  tonic  preparation 
to  tone  up  the  system  and  promote  strength  and  a  good  appetite. 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  35 


PLEURISY. 

The  chest  cavity  which  contains  the  heart  and  lungs  is  lined 
by  a  thin,  glistening  membrane,  called  the  pleura.  It  also  covers 
the  lungs.    Inflammation  of  this  membrane  is  called  pleurisy. 

Causes. — Pleurisy  is  caused  by  sudden  changes  in  the  weather, 
•exposure  to  cold  and  wet,  and  by  the  various  conditions  which 
cause  pneumonia.  Other  causes  are  impure  blood,  wounds  of  the 
chest- wall,  broken  ribs,  etc. 

Symptoms. — It  begins  with  a  chill,  which  soon  passes  off.  The 
animal  stands  stiff,  similar  to  founder,  with  the  fore-legs  as  far 
apart  as  possible,  and,  when  compelled  to  move,  he  grunts  or 
groans  with  pain.  The  breathing  is  noticed  to  be  done  back  of 
the  ribs  (by  the  abdominal  muscles),  while  the  ribs  are  kept  as 
still  as  possible.  On  placing  the  ear  to  the  side  of  the  chest  a 
kind  of  grating  sound  can  be  heard,  caused  by  the  dry  pleural 
membranes  rubbing  against  each  other.  But  in  a  few  days,  pos- 
sibly less,  the  animal  stands  apparently  free  from  pain,  and  there 
is  no  grating  sound  in  the  chest;  this  is  a  sign  that  a  fluid  has 
collected  in  the  chest  between  the  layers  of  the  pleura.  Such  a 
•collection  of  fluid  in  the  chest-cavity  is  called  hydrothorax,  or 
dropsy  of  the  chest.  A  great  amount  of  fluid  may  thus  be  col- 
lected, rendering  the  case  a  hopeless  one,  without  any  very  well 
marked  symptoms  being  observed.  Besides  these  signs,  there  is 
a  cough,  an  .elevation  in  temperature,  and  pressure  on  or  between 
the  ribs  gives  rise  to  con.siderable  pain. 

Treatment. — The  general  care  and  comfort  of  the  animal  is  to 
bo  about  the  same  as  in  pneumonia.  As  there  is  generally  a  high 
fever,  and  a  rapid,  strong  pulse,  give  15  drops  of  tincture  of 


86  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

aconite  in  one-half  pint  of  cold  water,  as  a  drench,  every  four 
hours;  or,  the  following  prescription  may  be  given: 

Liquor  acetate  of  ammonia 4  ounces. 

Nitrate  of  potassium 2  drams. 

Chlorate  of  potassium 2  drams. 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench  every  six  hours  in  1  pint  of 
water. 

Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment  should  be  rubbed  in  the  sides  of  the 
chest  two  or  three  times  per  day;  also,  the  sides  should  be  bathed 
with  hot  water,  and  blankets  applied.  Mustard  paste  may  be 
rubbed  in  once  or  twice.  If  there  is  severe  pain,  it  may  be  re- 
lieved by  giving  the  following: 

'^Tincture  of  opium 1  ounce. 

Raw  linseed  oil 8  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench.    If  the  bowels  are  consti- 
pated, give  enemas  of  warm  water  freely. 

During  convalescence,  give  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders 
(see  Appendix)  in  the  feed  as  a  general  tonic  and  appetizer;  also, 
give  1  dram  of  iodide  of  potassium  in  the  drinking  water  morn- 
ing and  night  for  ten  days. 

HYDROTHORAX. 

This  is  dropsy  of  the  chest;  or,  in  other  words,  a  collection  of 
fluid  in  the  cavity  of  the  chest.  This  condition  is  a  result  of 
pleurisy,  sometimes  resulting  from  a  very  mild  attack,  and  even 
in  cases  where  the  animal  has  had  the  best  of  care. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  plain:  difficult,  short  and  la- 
bored breathing,  and  flapping  of  the  nostrils.     The  eye  has  a 


Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  37 

peculiar,  glassy  appearance.  The  pulse  is  weak  and  irregular. 
There  is  a  heaving  motion  of  the  flanks.  The  animal  stands  per- 
sistently, and  soon  peculiar  swellings  appear  in  the.  limbs,  and 
extend  along  the  belly.  Death  usually  results  when  a  considera- 
ble quantity  of  water  collects  in  the  chest.  Perhaps  several  gal- 
lons of  fluid  will  collect  in  a  few  days,  and  seriously  interfere 
with  the  action  of  the  lungs. 

Treatment. — The  great  aim  in  the  treatment  of  this  disease  is 
to  support  the  animaFs  system  as  best  we  can,  so  as  to  cause  ab- 
sorption of  the  fluid  in  the  chest.  This  may  be  done  by  giving 
nutritious,  easily  digested  food  and  stimulants.  Two  ounces  of 
sweet  nitre  and  six  ounces  of  whisky  can  be  given  as  a  drench 
every  two  or  four  hours  in  one-half  pint  of  water;  or,  alcohol, 
ale,  wine,  etc.,  may  be  given.  Tapping  the  chest  and  drawing  off 
the  fluid  with  a  suitable  instrument  can  sometimes  be  done  suc- 
cessfully by  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon,  but  we  will  not  rec- 
ommend the  operation  here.  Give  two  drams  of  nitrate  of  pot- 
assium twice  per  day,  and  the  best  of  care  must  be  taken  of  the 
animal  all  through,  if  a  recovery  is  expected. 

THUMPS— SPASM  OF  THE  DIAPHEAGM. 

Thumps,  or  spasm  of  the  diaphragm,  is  generally  thought  to 
be  a  palpitation  of  the  heart  by  inexperienced  persons.  It  may 
be  as  well  to  state  that  the  heart  has  nothing  to  do  with  it.  There 
is  a  very  important  muscle  (called  the  diaphragm,  or  midriff)  in 
the  body,  which  separates  the  chest-cavity  from  the  abdominal 
(cavity  which  contains  the  bowels).  Spasms  or  irregular  move- 
ments of  this  muscular  partition  in  the  horse,  is  called  the 
"thumps."  Thumps  in  the  horse  is  the  same  as  "hiccoughs"  in 
man,  although  the  peculiar  noise  is  not  always  made  in  the 
throat  of  the  horse,  as  in  man. 


38  Dr.  IjeGeab^s  Stock  Book. 

Causes. — Fast  driving,  or  violent  exertion,  if  the  animal  is 
not  in  proper  condition. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  very  plain:  the  breathing  is 
difficult,  a  thumping  sound  is  heard,  which  affects  the  whole 
body,  and  is  not  confined  to  the  region  of  the  heart,  but  back 
of  it.  By  placing  one  hand  on  the  body  at  about  the  middle  of 
the  last  rib,  and  the  other  one  over  the.  heart  just  behind  the  left 
elbow,  it  will  be  an  easy  matter  to  make  a  distinction  between 
the  thumping  or  jerking  of  the  diaphragm  and  the  beating  of 
the  heart. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  should  be  the  same  as  that  given 
for  congestion  of  the  lungs.  If  not  relieved,  death  usually  results 
ftom  congestion. 

HEAVES— BROKEN  WIND— ASTHMA. 

Broken  wind  is  a  condition  the  nature  of  which  is  not  very  well 
understood.  Many  horsemen  wrongfully  apply  the  term  to  all 
ailments  where  the  breathing  is  difficult  or  noisy.  It  is  generally 
accepted  to  be  a  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs,  character- 
ized by  difficult  and  peculiar  breathing  and  the  presence  of  a 
long,  deep  cough,  known  as  "the  broken-winded  cough." 

Causes. — Broken  wind  may  be  caused  by  improper  feeding  of 
some  kind,  or  by  a  supply  of  bad  food,  or  bulky  or  dusty  food  of 
any  kind,  the  stomach  being  kept  overloaded  with  the  same.  Se- 
vere exertion  when  the  stomach  and  bowels  are  full  has  a  ten- 
dency to  cause  broken  wind — that  is,  when  the  system  is  in  poor 
condition.  A  chronic  cough  from  any  cause  is  liable  to  run  into 
heaves.  Another  cause,  and  a  very  reasonable  one,  is  that  the 
exciting  cause  of  broken  wind  is  due  to  an  affection  of  a  certain 
nerve — pneumogastric  nerve,  which  sends  branches  to  the  lungs. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  39 

heart,  stomach,  etc.  It  is  claimed  that  coai*se  or  indigestible  food 
irritates  the  branches  of  these  nerves,  which  supply  the  walls  of 
the  stomach,  and  this  irritation  is  reflected  or  extended  to  the 
branches  of  the  same  nerves  which  supply  the  lungs,  when  the 
trouble  known  as  broken  wind  follows. 

Symptoms. — "Heaves"  is  easily  detected  by  almost  every  ex- 
perienced horseman.  When  you  have  once  seen  a  well-marked 
case,  you  Avill  always  know  it.  The  peculiar,  bellows-like  move- 
ments of  the  flanks,  and  walls  of  the  belly,  point  out  the  ail- 
ment at  once.  But  in  mild  or  recent  cases,  the  affected  animal 
does  not  show  the  characteristic  breathing  unless  freely  exercised 
— running  or  pulling  a  heavy  load.  There  is  always  a  peculiar 
cough,  which  is  difficult  to  describe — the  sound  is  .short,  very 
deep,  and  something  like  a  grunt.  Indigestion  is  always  present 
in  these  cases.  The  animal's  appetite  is  depraved,  as  shown  by 
a  desiro  to  eat  dirt  and  soiled  bedding,  which  he  often  prefers  to 
the  clean  food  in  the  manger.  The  .stomach  is  liable  to  be  over- 
loaded with  indigestible  food.  The  abdomen  may  assume  that 
form  called  "pot-belhed."  The  animal  frequently  passes  wind, 
the  odor  of  which  is  very  offensive.  Horses  with  round  chests 
are  said  to  be  subject  to  heaves;  and,  in  cases  of  long  standing,, 
the  chest  usually  becomes  rounder  than  natural. 

Treatment. — Heaves  is  a  disease,  when  once  well  established, 
that  can  not  be  cured.  All  we  can  do  in  such  cases  i,s  to  relieve  the 
animal  for  the  time  being  by  giving  certain  remedies,  and  paying 
strict  attention  to  diet.  All  the  feed  given  should  be  free  from 
dust,  and  of  the  very  best  quality.  All  hay,  grain  and  dry  feed 
should  be  dampened,  and  not  very  much  hay  or  roughness  given. 
It  is  well  enough  to  give  a  pretty  good  feed  of  hay  at  night,  but 
very  little,  if  any,  at  noon  and  in  the  morning.  Alwa3^s  water 
the  horse  before  feeding,  and  not  directly  after.  Strict  attention 
to  diet  is  a  great  thing  in  treating  heaves.    Cases  of  heaves  have 


40  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

been  cured  by  bringing  horses  from  the  East  and  North  out  West, 
and  let  them  feed  on  the  coarse  prairie  hay.  Heavey  horses  are 
comparatively  few  in  Texas  to  what  they  are  up  North.  In  the 
early  stages,  heaves  can  be  checked, 'and  in  many  cases  cured, 
by  the  following: 

Oil  of  tar 3  ounces. 

Glycerine 1  ounce. 

Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic 3  ounces. 

Fluid  extract  of  belladonna 1  ounce. 

Tincture  of  opium 1  ounce. 

Eaw  linseed  oil _ 3  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  one  tablespoonful  every  morning  and 
night  in  damp  feed. 

Fowler's  solution  of  arsenic  given  in  one  tablespoonful  doses, 
night  and  morning,  for  two  or  three  weeks,  is  sometimes  very 
beneficial.  Unscrupulous  dealers  often  give  some  remedies  to 
eheck  the  heaves  for  the  time  being,  which  are  generally  poi- 
sonous, but  we  will  not  mention  them  here,  as  we  don't  advocate 
any  treatment  or  remedy  that  is  not  honest  and  fair. 

DISTEMPER— STEANGLES. 

Horse  distemper  is  the  common  name  by  which  the  disease, 
^'strangles,"  is  known.  It  is  a  peculiar,  eruptive  fever  of  the 
horse,  and  is  a  disease  that  nearly  every  young  horse  becomes  af- 
fected with.  It  is  oftener  seen  among  young  horses  and  colts, 
but  horses  at  any  age  may  take  the  disease.  It  received  the 
name,  "strangles,"  from  so  many  cases  in  the  severe  form  nearly 
choking  or  strangling  the  animal  by  the  formation  of  a  large 
tumor  in  the  throat.  All  cases  of  influenza,  sore  throat,  colds, 
catarrh,  etc.,  are  called  distemper  by  a  great  many  horse  owners. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


41 


Cause. — Distemper  is  a  contagious  disease,  and  where  one  case 
breaks  out  or  is  introduced  into  a  herd  of  horses,  nearly  all  are 
generally  affected.  During  some  seasons,  it  takes  on  a  very 
dangerous  and  fatal  form,  while  again  it  is  very  mild,  the  animals 
recovering  without  much  inconvenience  or  loss  of  flesh. 


A  Case  of  Strangles. 


Symptoms. — Before  the  disease  really  breaks  out,  the  animal 
is  for  a  few  days  generally  off  its  feed,  weak,  and  languid,  and 
easily  exhausted.  A  slight  cough  may  be  noticed,  and  the  animal 
shows  some  trouble  in  swallowing.  In  a  regular  case,  there  is 
noticed  in  a  few  days  a  swelling  forming  in  connection  with  the 
throat,  or  under  the  lower  jaw.  These  swellings  may  be  small, 
or  may  become  very  large,  making  it  almost  impossible  for-  a 
horse  to  breathe  or  swallow.  The  animal  will  have  more  or  less 
fever,  and  in  scxme  cases  becomes  very  weak,  languid,  and  dull. 
In  the  irregular  form  of  .strangles,  the  swellings  may  form  in  the 
bieast,  in  the  groin,  among  the  bowels,  in  connection  with  the 
liver,  spleen,  lungs,  etc.,  and  is  a  more  dangerous  form  of  the 
disease.  The  swelling  in  the  throat  may  break,  and  run  matter 
out  of  the  nose,  or  down  the  windpipe,  and  cause  strangulation 


42  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

of  the  animal.  Distemper  runs  a  certain  course,  its  duration 
generally  being  from  eight  to  t^relve  days,  but  it  may  last  for 
several  weeks. 

Treatment. — As  this  disease  has  a  certiiin  couree  to  run,  there 
shouldn't  be  anything  given  to  check  it;  but  we  should  siipport 
th<'  animal's  system  by  giving  soft,  easily  digested,  nourishing 
food,  and  medicines  to  purify  the  blood.  The  animal  should  be 
protected  from  cold  rains  and  "northers,"  and  have  comfort  and 
good  care  generally.  Give  what  fresh,  cool  water  the  animal  will 
drink,  into  which  dissolve  1  dram  of  chlorate  of  potassium,  morn- 


Fig.  4.    Tracheotomy  Tube. 

ing  and  night.  Also,  give  one  teaspoonful  of  our  Condition 
Powders,  morning  and  night,  to  purify  the  blood,  and  keep  up 
the  animal's  strength.  Bathe  the  swelling  in  the  throat  two  or 
three  times  a  day  thoroughly  with  our  Liniment,  to  draw  it  to  a 
head.  It  may  be  well  to  apply  a  hot  poultice,  and,  after  remov- 
ing it,  then  apply  the  Liniment.  As  soon  as  the  swelling  be- 
comes soft,  it  .should  be  opened  freely  with  a  sharp  lance,  to 
allow  the  matter  to  escape.  Syringe  out  the  cavity  with  a  weak 
solution  of  carbolic  acid  for  a  few  days,  and  it  will  soon  heal. 
Sometimes  these  swellings  in  the  throat  become  .so  large  that 
th<.'  horse  can't  breathe,  and  it  becomes  necessary  to  perform  the 
oj)€ration  of  tracheotomy  (putting  a  tube  in  the  throat  to  breathe 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  43 

through.  (See  Fig.  4.)  This  is  a  very  delicate  operation,  and 
wo  wouldn't  advise  any  but  a  qualified  veterinarian  to  perform  it. 
Some  people  entertain  the  very  foolish  idea  that  a  horse  doasn't 
need  any  medicine  or  special  care  while  he  has  the  distemper. 
Thii  is  very  wrong.  It  is  not  so  much  the  distemper  that  is  dan- 
gerous, but  it  is  the  other  diseases  that  are  liable  to  attack  the 
body,  while  it  is  weak,  and  the  blood  bad  from  the  distemper. 
So  many  horses  that  are  not  treated  for  the  distemper  are  left 
with  a  chronic  cough,  catarrh,  enlarged  glands,  thick  wind,  roar- 
ing, etc.  It  is  true  that  a  great  many  cases  of  distemper  look  very 
mild,  but  they  are  worse  than  they  look,  and  all  are  bad  enough. 
By  all  means,  give  your  horse  some  special  care  and  treatment, 
and,  if  you  don't  do  anything  else,  give  him  some  of  our  Condi- 
tion Powders,  night  and  morning,  in  damp  feed,  according  to 
directions.  We  don't  claim  that  our  Powders  are  a  specific  for 
tho  distemper;  in  fact,  there  is  no  medicine  that  will  check  it, 
and  keep  it  from  running  its  course,  without  endangering  the 
animal;  but  we  do  claim  that  they  will  purify  the  blood,  strength- 
en the  system,  and  help  the  animal  throw  off  the  disease.  They 
aivj  all  the  medicine  that  is  necessary  to  give  in  the  majority  of 
cas-es. 

PINK-EYE— EPIZOOTIC  CELLULITIS. 

This  is  a  disease  of  the  horse  that  resembles  influenza  to  a  cer- 
tain extent,  but  it  is  a  distinct  disease  of  itself.  It  is  properly 
known  as  "Epizootic  cellulitis,"  as  it  is  a  contagious  disease  and 
affects  principally  the  cellular  tissues  of  the  body. 

Causes.  — This  disease  is  due  to  a  contagion  or  gerais  that  are 
carried  in  the  air  from  sick  to  healthy  animals.  The  germs  will 
remain  in  the  stable  or  sheds,  where  the  disease  has  been,  for  a 
considerable  length  of  time,  and  infect  healthy  horses' or  mules 
that  are  brough  in  there.  The  exact  nature  of  tliese  germs  is  not 
4 


44  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

as  yet  thoroughly  understood,  but  it  is  without  any  doubt  an  e])i- 
zootie  (contagious)  disease,  as  it  has  been  known  to  spread  over 
large  districts  in  a  short  time. 

Symptoms.  —  The  first  symptom  that  attracts  attention  is  a 
watery  discharge  from  the  eyes,  and  a  reddened  or  pinkish  color 
of  the  conjunctiA^a  (lining  of  the  eye)  is  seen  at  the  same  time. 
The  animal  appears  dull,  has  a  weak  pulse,  and  high  tempera- 
ture. The  eyelids  become  swollen  and  discharge  a  white-colored 
matter.  The  legs  become  swollen  and  the  swelling  may  extend 
along  the  belly.  The  bowels  become  constipated  and  the  urine 
scanty.  The  body  is  hot  all  over,  and  the  animal  lays  down  most 
of  the  time. 

Treatment. — As  a  general  thing  the  treatment  for  pink-eye 
is  quite  successful,  except  in  some  very  severe  forms.  Never 
bleed  or  physic  an  animal  with  pink-eye.  Give  2  drams  of 
nitrate  of  potash  two  or  three  times  a  day.  Give  the  animal 
plenty  of  cold  water  to  drink.  If  the  animal  is  weak,  give  stimu- 
lants, as  sweet  nitre,  whisky,  etc.  Keep  the  animal  in  a  com- 
fortable place,  and  give  soft,  easily  digested  food.  If  the  bowels 
are  constipated,  give  one-half  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil  as  a  laxative. 
Bathe  the  eyes  well  with  water  two  or  three  times  per  day.  Good 
care,  a  comfortable  place,  with  fresh  air  and  water  and  easily 
digested  food,  are  of  great  benefit  in  this  disease. 

INFLUENZA— EPIZOOTIC— LA  GKIPPE. 

This  is  a  disease  that  attacks  all  the  domesticated  animals  ns 
well  as  man,  and  has  been  known  for  ages  past.  It  is  a  con- 
tagious and  an  infectious  disease,  but  during  certain  seasons  and 
in  certain  localities  it  takes  on  a  much  more  fatal  form.  There 
was  a  ver}-  serious  and  fatal  outbreak  of  this  disease  in  the  United 
States  druing  the  year  1872.     It  killed  over  75  per  cent  of  the 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  46 

horses  and  mules  in  many  cities  and  localities.  In  some  of  the 
large  cities  not  a  horse  could  be  seen  on  the  streets  for  weeks  at 
a  time— ^all  the  teaming  being  done  with  oxen.  This  disease 
prevails  nearly  every  winter  and  spring,  but  not  in  a  very  fatal 
form  as  a  general  thing.  Nearly  every  person  can  remember,  to 
their  sorrow,  how  tlie  la  grippe  raged  all  through  this  country 
among  people  last  winter  and  spring.  It  is  nearly  the  identical 
disease  that  attacks  the  horse,  so  you  will  know  how  to  sympa- 
thize with  your  faithful  servant  the  horse  when  he  has  the 
^'grippe." 

Causes.  —  It,  without  a  doubt,  originates  from  some  atmos- 
pheric influence,  and  when  once  started  spreads  through  the  air 
and  is  caught  by  well  horses  coming  in  contact  with  sick  ones. 
The  germs  or  contagion  may  be  carried  on  the  clothing  of  people 
from  one  stable  to  another.  A  case  is  on  record  where  the  disease 
was  conveyed  three  miles  across  water,  either  through  the  air  or 
on  the  clothing  of  people,  as  no  animals  were  taken  on  to  the 
island  for  three  months  previous  to  the  outbreak  of  the  disease. 
It  is  seen  more  frequently  and  in  a  worse  form  in  crowded,  poorly 
ventilated  stables,  and  it  is  more  fatal  in  large  cities  than  in  the 
ooimtry.  Colts  and  old  horses  are  easier  victims  to  the  disease 
than  middle-aged,  healthy  horses.  One  thing  that  makes  influ- 
enza such  a  fatal  disease  is  the  other  diseases  that  follow  it,  as 
pneumonia,  bronchitis,  rheumatism,  heart  troubles,  etc. 

Symptoms. — In  the  early  stages  of  the  disease  there  is  general 
weakness,  dullness,  watery  eyes,  a  watery  discharge  from  the  nose 
which  turns  to  matter,  a  cough,  etc.  The  pulse  and  temperature 
run  up  sometimes  very  high,  and  the  animal  loses  its  appetite.  The 
symptoms,  instead  of  improving  in  two  or  three  days,  as  in  ca- 
tarrh or  cold,  get  worse,  and  the  animal  becomes  a  grea.t  sufferer. 
The  tliroat  is  sore,  the  cough  is  painful,  the  breathing  labored 
and  fast,  and  the  animal  shows  all  siijns  of  weakness  and  sore- 


46  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

ness.  These  symptoms  may  continue  on  to  death  or  they  may 
abate  in  five  or  eight  days  and  the  animal  begin  to  improve.  Any 
of  the  complications,  as  lung  troubles,  Iddney  troubles,  heart 
troubles,  brain  troubles,  etc.,  may  set  in  at  any  time. 

Treatment. — Bleeding,  physicing,  or  any  treatment  that  has 
a  tendency  to  weaken  the  animal  should  not  be  practiced.  As 
the  disease  now  appears,  it  is  in  a  form  that  can  generally  be 
treated  successfully.  As  it  is  a  fever  that  has  a  certain  course  to 
run,  we  must  adopt  a  form  of  treatment  to  help  nature  throw  off 
the  disease,  and  support  the  animal  while  the  disease  is  running 
its  course.  We  must  never  try  to  cut  the  disease  short,  as  that 
is  dangerous  to  the  animal.  Keep  the  animal  in  a  comfortable 
place  and  allow  plenty  of  fresh  air  and  water  and  what  easily 
digested  food  the  animal  will  eat.  If  the  weather  is  cold,  blanket 
the  animal,  and  hand-rub  and  bandage  the  legs.  Give  one 
dram  of  nitrate  of  potash  three  times  a  day,  either  in  feed,  drink- 
ing water,  or  put  it  on  the  tongue  with  a  large  spoon.  Give  this 
regular  for  two  or  three  days,  then  give  one  dram  of  chlorate  of 
potash  three  times  per  day  for  a  few  days.  Give  whisky,  alcohol, 
and  sweet  nitre,  to  keep  up  the  animal's  strength.  Bathe  the 
throat  well  with  our  Liniment  (see  Appendix)  twice  a  day  to  re- 
move the  soreness.  Steaming  the  head  by  the  use  of  hot  water 
and  a  little  carbolic  acid  is  beneficial.  If  the  bowels  are  con- 
stipated give  one-half  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil  as  a  drench -and 
give  injections  of  warm  water. 

In  mild  cases  our  Condition  Powders  (see  Appendix)  is  all  the 
medicine  that  is  necessary  to  give,  and  in  all  cases  give  our 
Powders  after  the  severe  symptoms  have  passed. 

If  any  other  disease  sets  in,  treat  it  according  to  the  treatment 
given  in  another  part  of  this  book. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  47 

CHAPTER  VI. 
THE  DIGESTIVE  ORGANS. 

The  principal  organs  of  digestion  are  the  teeth,  stomach,  and 
bowels.  Mastication  takes  place  by  the  teeth,  which  is  the  first 
step  toward  the  process  of  digestion.  A  horse  has  40  te^th,  a 
mare  36,  a  cow  32,  a  dog  42,  and  a  pig  44  teeth.  The  canine 
teeth,  or  tushes,  are  seldom  developed  in  the  mare.  Cattle  have 
no  upper  front  teeth,  there  being  nothing  but  a  tough  pad  of 
gristle  in  the  place  of  teeth.  The  teeth  of  a  horse  need  a  great 
deal  of  attention — far  more  than  they  get.  A  horse,  dog  and 
pig  each  have  but  one  stomach,  while  cattle,  sheep  and  goats  each 
have  four  stomachs.  The  capacity  of  a  horse's  .stomach  averages 
three  and  a  half  to  four  gallons,  a  cowl's  from  forty-five  to  fifty 
gallons,  and  the  dog's  one  to  three  quarts.  The  length  of  a 
horse's  bowels  is  about  100  feet,  while  a  cow's  is  about  150  feet. 
The  horse's  bowels  although  shorter  than  a  cow's  are  larger  in 
capacity.  It  is  estimated  that  three-fourths  of  the  horses  that 
die,  die  of  some  di.sease  of  the  stomach  or  bowels,  and  in  a  ma- 
jority of  cases  it  is  caused  by  faulty  feeding  or  watering.  There- 
fore, it  is  very  important  that  every  horse  owner  should  have  a 
thorough  knowledge  of  the  proper  way  to  feed  and  water.  Below 
wdll  be  found  all  the  diseases  of  the  digestive  organs,  briefly  de- 
scribed. 

DENTITION. 

This  covers  the  period  during  which  the  young  horse  is  cutting 
hi>  teeth — from  birth  to  the  age  of  five  years.  -The  horse  expe- 
riences more  difficulty  in  cutting  the  second,  or  permanent,  teeth 
than  with  the  first,  or  milk  teeth.    Too  little  attention  is  paid  to 


48  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

the  teeth  of  young  horses  by  farmers  and  stock  raisers.  The 
mcnths  of  all  horses  between  the  ag.es  of  one  and  five  years  should 
b3  frequently  examined,  to  see  if  one  or  more  of  the  milk  teeth 
are  not  remaining  too  long,  causing  the  second  teeth  to  grow  in 
crocked,  in  which  case  the  first  teeth  should  be  removed  by  the 
forceps.  During  the  time  the  animal  is  shedding  a  tooth,  he  may 
or  may  not  eat  well,  oft^n  cuds  his  food,  and  wastes  more  or  less 
of  it  The  gums  are  found,  on  examination,  to  be  red,  swollen, 
and  very  tender.  The  irritation  of  the  gums  may  extend  to  and 
involve  the  stomach  and  bowels,  giving  rise  to  constipation,  diar- 
rhoea, etc.  Allow  the  animal  to  have  soft  food,  of  a  laxative  and 
nutritious  character. 

TEETH. 

The  teeth  of  a  horse,  the  principal  organs  of  mastication,  are 
a  very  important  part  of  his  body,  and  should  have  proper  atten- 
tion when  diseased  or  improperly  shed.  A  horse  has  forty  teeth, 
and  a  mare  36,  the  tusks  being  seldom  developed  in  a  mare.  The 
teeth  are  of  three  classes,  consisting  of  molars,  or  grinders;  in- 
cisors, or  front  teeth;  and  tusks,*or  canine  teeth.  The  horse,  like 
other  animals,  is  provided  with  two  sets  of  teeth:  temporary  or 
colt  teeth,  and  permanent  or  horse  teeth.  There  are  twenty-four 
tcnsporary  teeth,  twelve  grinders  and  twelve  front  teeth.  The 
peimanent  teeth  are  forty  in  number,  consisting  of  twenty-four 
grinders,  twelve  front  teeth,  and  four  tusks,  except  in  mares,  who 
seldom  have  fully  developed  tusks. 

A  colt,  at  birth,  generally  has  twelve  temporary  grinders,  and 
four  incisors  or  front  teeth — two  above  and  two  below,  in  the 
nr'ddle.  The  name  for  the  two  middle  front  teeth  on  each  jaw 
is  the  nippers;  the  next  two,  one  on  each  side  of  the  nippers,  the 
lateral  incisors;  and  the  outside  ones,  the  corner  teeth.  At  from 
six  to  nine  weeks,  a  colt  cuts  its  lateral  incisors,  and  at  the  age 
of  about  nine  months  the  corner  teeth  appear.     The  temporary 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  49 

incisor  teeth  differ  from  the  permanent  ones  by  being  smaller  in 
size,  having  a  prominent  neck,  and  much  whiter  appearance. 
The  fir&t  permanent  grinder,  the  fourth  on  the  Jaw,  comes 
through  when  the  colt  is  about  one  year  old;  and  at  about 
eighteen  months  old  the  second  grinder,  the  fifth  on  each  side 
of  each  jaw,  comes  through.  At  about  two  and  one-half  years 
of  age,  the  colt  sheds  its  nippers,  middle  front  teeth,  and  the  first 
tv  0  on  each  jaw  of  its  grinders,  and  they  are  all  taken  place  by 
pfimanent  teeth.  Between  three  and  four  years,  the  colt  sheds 
its  lateral  front  teeth,  and  the  third  temporary  grinder,  and  they 
are  taken  place  by  permanent  teeth;  also,  at  about  this  age,  the 
sixth  permanent  grinder  comes  through.  Therefore,  a  colt,  at 
four  years  of  age,  has  a  full  set  of  permanent  grinders.  Between 
four  and  five,  he  sheds  his  corner  incisors  and  gets  the  permanent 
ones,  and  at  about  this  time  the  tusks  come  through,  making  a 
horse  at  five  years  of  age  have  a  '^full  mouth." 

AGE  OF  A  HORSE. 

How  to  tell  the  age  of  a  horse  is  something  that  must  be  ac- 
quired by  practice,  and  not  theory  alone.  Most  any  one  can 
learn,  by  a  little  study  and  practice,  how  to  detect  the  age  up  to 
six  or  eight  years  in  most  cases,  bu,t  beyond  this  age  is  very  much 
harder  to  tell  accurately;  in  fact,  no  one  can  tell  within  one  or 
twv)  years  after  a  horse  has  passed  the  age  of  ten  years.  If  all 
horses  had  a  uniform  wear  and  growth  of  th,e  teeth,  it  would  be 
a  great  deal  easier  to  tell  the  exact  age,  but  different  breeds  of 
horses,  and  different  kinds  of  food,  greatly  change  the  wear  and 
shape  of  the  teeth.  Hard,  gritty  food  wears  the  teeth  much  faster 
than  soft  food,  free  from  .sand  and  other  gritty  substances.  A 
horse's  teeth  are  continually  growing  and  wearing  off,  no  matter 
how  old  the  horse.  It  is  estimated  that  they  grow  one  inch  in 
about  ten  or  twelve  years. 


50  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

By  carefully  reading  over  the  remarks  on  ''The  Teeth,"  it  can 
be  easily  seen  how  to  tell  a  horse's  age  up  to  five  years.  By  look- 
in^^  at  the  wearing  surface  of  a  horse's  front  teeth  at  five  years 
old^  you  will  notice  a  depression,  called  the  cup  or  mark.  It  is 
by  watching  the  wear  and  disappearance  of  this  cup  that  we  are 
erabled  to  indicate  the  age  up  to  eleven  or  twelve  years.  At 
about  six  years,  the  cups  will  be  worn  out  of  the  nippers  on  the 
kwer  jaw,  and  at  seven  years  the  cups  will  be  worn  out  of  the 
h.teral  incisors  of  the  lower  jaw;  and  at  eight,  it  will  disappear 
fiom  the  corner  teeth  of  the  same  jaw.  Therefore,  at  the  age  of 
eight,  the  wearing  surfaces  of  the  lower  row  are  perfectly  smooth; 
aho,  about  this  time  there  will  be  noticed  a  little  hook-like  pro- 
jection on  each  of  tlie  upper  corner  incisors.  x\t  about  the  age 
of  nine  years,  the  cups  disappear  from  the  middle  front  teeth  of 
the  upper  jaw;  at  about  ten,  they  are  worn  out  of  the  upper 
lateral  incisors;  and  about  eleven,  they  are  all  perfectly  smooth. 
Tho  foregoing  is  the  general  rule  to  go  by,  but,  of  course,  there 
are  certain  cases  that  vary  a  great  deal  from  that  rule.  There 
are  certain  signs  and  rules  to  go  by  to  tell  the  age  of  a  horse  above 
twelve  years,  but  they  are  not  very  reliable.  The  front  teeth  of 
a  young  horse  are  wider  from  side  to  .side,  but  in  an  old  horse 
they  become  wider  from  before  backwards.  Some  dishonest 
dealers  cup  an  old  horse's  teeth  to  make  him  look  young,  but 
thic  can  be  easily  detected  by  looking  at  the  general  form  and 
appearance  of  the  teeth.  A  crib-bitter  may  be  known  by  the 
peculiar  appearance  of  his  teeth,  which  are  worn  and  broken  off 
in  front.    In  such  a  horse,  it  is  hard  to  tell  the  age. 

SHARP  AND  PROJECTING  TEETH. 

As  a  horse  advances  in  age  the  teeth  usually  wear  down  in  an 
irregular  manner.  This  is  better  understood  when  we  know 
that  the  grinders  (molars)  of  the  upper  jaw  do  not  come  di- 
rectly opposite  to  those  of  the  lower  jaw.     Consequently  sha'.-p 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


51 


Fig, 


Dunn's  Float  in  use  on  the  Molars. 


points  are  formed  on  the  outer  part  of  the  upper  molars,  which 
lacerate  and  cut  the  cheeks  when  chewing  the  food,  and  similar 
points  on  the  inner  side  of  the  lower  ones,  which  cut  and  bruise 
the  tongue.  These  ragged  edges  would  not  form  if  the  upper 
grinders  were  directly  opposed  to  the  lower  grinders.  Horses' 
teeth  should  be  examined  occasionally  to  ascertain  whether  any 
such  points  are  causing  the  animal  any  trouble.  On  passing  the 
hand  into  the  mouth  the  sharp  and  projecting  points  can  be  felt 
with  the  fingers,  and  on  examining  closer  the  tongue  and  cheeks 
are  seen  to  be  sore  and  lacerated.  The  mouth  speculum,  or 
balling  iron  (Fig.  8),  may  be  necessary  in  some  cases  when  it  is 
desired  to  make  a  thorough  examination  of  all  the  teeth.  The 
animal  eats  but  little,  on  account  of  the  great  pain  caused  by 
chewing  his  food,  which  is  cudded  and  wasted  to  a  great  ex- 
tent. Nor  does  the  animal  drive  as  well  as  usual,  being  slow  to 
answer  the  rein,  and  may  while  traveling  carry  his  head  to  one 
side,  consequently  being  hard  to  keep  straight  ia  the  road. 

When  these  sharp  projections  are  found,  it  is  necessary  to  re- 
move them.  The  best  instrument  for  this  purpose  is  a  tooth- 
rasp  (Fig.  6),  after  which  the  animal  should  be  fed  for  a  few 


52 


Dr.  LeG ear's  Stock  Book. 


days  on  soft  food;  nothing  more  is  necessary  unless  the  animal 
is  run  down  in  condition.  If  so,  give  one  teaspoonful  of  Dr. 
LeG  ear's  Condition  Powders  morning  and  night  in  damp  feed. 


Fig.  6.    Tooth- Rasp  or  Float. 


Fig.  7a. 


Haussmann's  Lever  Open  Molar  Cutters,  for  cutting  off  large, 
projecting  teeth. 


Fig. 


"b.    Haussmann's  Lever  Closed  Molar  Cutters,  for  cutting  small, 
projecting  teeth. 


LONG  PKOJECTIIs^G  TEETH. 


This  is  a  very  common  condition,  and  is  found  most  common  v 
in  connection  with  the  first  grinder  of  the  upper  jaw, 
and  the  last  grinders  of  the  lower  jaw.  It  constitutes 
quite  a  serious  condition,  and  more  especially  is  this  the 
case  when  the  sixth  (last)  grinder  of  the  lower  jaw  is  the  one  at 
fault.    It  gives  rise  to  quidding  of  the  food,  imperfect  chewing. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  5S 

loss  of  condition,  etc.  A  projecting  tooth  is  one  that  grows  longer 
than  the  other  teeth  on  account  of  the  opposite  tooth  immediate- 
ly over  or  under  it  becoming  decayed  or  having  been  pulled  our, 
consequently  the  tooth  meeting  with  no  resistance  grows  out 
longer  than  is  natural,  and  causes  much  pain  and  irritation. 

When  a  long  projecting  tooth  is  found,  it  becomes  necessary 
to  reduce  it  to  a  level  with  the  other  teeth.  The  best  instrument 
for  this  purpose  is  a  pair  of  molar  cutters  (Figs.  7a,  7b),  after 
which  file  off  the  roughness  with  a  tooth-rasp.  Then  feed  the 
animal  on  soft  feed  for  a  few  days,  and  in  the  course  of  ten  days 
or  a  fortnight  he  will  have  improved  to  such  an  extent  as  to  be 
hardly  recognizable  as  the  same  horse.  But  at  the  same  time 
don't  fail  to  give  in  the  feed  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders. 

In  all  cases  where  horses  "quid"  their  food,  where  they  are 
slobbering,  or  where  they  show  pain  in  chewing  the  food,  shown 
by  holding  their  head  to  one  side,  the  teeth  should  be  carefully 
examined. 

DECAYED  TEETH. 

This  is  indicated  by  gradual  decay  or  wasting  away  of  the 
tooth-substance  in  small  particles.  It  is  quite  a  common  condi- 
tion, especially  in  connection  with  the  grinders  (back  teeth), 
although  none  of  the  teeth  are  free  from  the  trouble.  Decay 
may  commence  in  any  part  of  the  tooth.  It  is  by  no  means  as 
common  in  the  lower  animals  as  in  man,  on  account  of  people 
eating  so  many  sweets,  etc.,  which  have  a  bad  effect  on  the  teeth. 

Causes. — Decayed  teeth  may  arise  from  a  great  many  differ- 
ent causes,  but  the  most  common  cause  is  some  injury  to  the 
tooth,  caused  by  taking  into  the  mouth  with  the  food  some  hard 
substance,  as  a  piece  of  iron,  pebble,  etc.,  which  during  the  act 
of  chewing  comes  into  contact  with  the  tooth,  breaks  its  cover- 


54 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


Fig. 


Haussmann's  Mouth  Speculum,  used  to  open  the  mouth  for  work  on  the  teeth, 
and  for  examining  the  mouth. 


ing,  and  decay  quickly  follows.    A  severe  blow  on  the  jaw  might 
also  produce  decay  of  the  teeth. 


Symptoms. — It  may  he  noticed  that  the  animal  has  some  diffi- 
culty in  chewing  his  food,  and  frequently  while  eating  stops  and 
throws  up  his  head  .as  though  suffering  severe  pain.  While  drink- 
ing cold  water  he  may  stop  and  hold  the  head  to  one  side,  etc. 
The  above  are  general  symptoms  when  the  crown  of  the  tooth 
is  decayed.  When  the  root  of  the  tooth  alone  is  diseased,  the 
symptoms  are  quite  different.  'Then  a  swelling  appears  on 
the  face  at  the  side  the  diseased  tooth  is  on  and  directly  over  the 
decayed  tooth.  It  is  the  prevailing  idea  among  horsemen  that  if 
a  horse  has  a  swelling  on  his  face  they  say  he  has  "blind  teeth.*' 
He  may  have  blind  teeth,  but  they  seldom  if  ever  injure  a  horse. 
Blind  teeth,  properly  known  as  Wolf  Teeth,  are  little  peg-like 
teeth,  situated  one  in  front  of  each  upper  grinder,  and  are  gen- 
erally harmless.    (See  Fig.  9a,  page  56.) 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  55 

We  often  hear  it  said  that  "hlind  teeth''  grow  or  come  out 
through  the  hones  on  the  face.  That  is  an  erroneous  idea,  and 
is  as  foolish  as  it  is  absurd.  Such  a  thing  never  happens.  What 
causes  the  swelling  on  the  face  is  the  matter  which  inflames  the 
hone  and  causes  it  to  bulge  out.  When  the  matter  becomes  abund- 
ant enough  it  will  burst  through  the  bone  and  skin  and  cause  a 
r laming, sore.  When  there  is  a  cavity  from  the  grinding  surface  of 
tne  tooth  all  the  way  up  to  the  root,  the  matter  will  escape  into 
the  mouth  and  not  form  an  enlargement.  The  above  is  regard- 
ing the  grinders  on  the  upper  jaw.  When  the  roots  only  of  one 
of  the  lower  grinders  become  decayed  it  forms  an  enlargement 
on  the  lower  border  of  the  jaw;  in  the  same  way  the  enlarge- 
ment is  formed  on  the  upper  jaw.  If  an  enlargement  is  seen  on  a 
colt  or  right  young  horse  it  is  generally  due  to  the  caps  (colt 
teeth)  not  being  properly  shed.  Very  often  the  matter  from  a 
diseased  upper  grinder  will  break  into  the  nostril  instead  of  on 
the  face,  and  forms  a  running  at  the  nose  of  a  very  offensi^^e 
smelling  matter.  If  the  crown  of  the  tooth  is  decayed  and  the 
matter  runs  into  the  mouth  you  can  smell  a  very  offensive  odor 
every  time  you  open  his  mouth  or  put  on  the  bridle. 

Treatment. — As  the  art  of  filling  teeth  in  the  lower  animals 
can  not  as  yet  be  successfully  done,  the  only  remedy  for  a  de- 
cayed tooth  is  to  remove  it.  This  is  generally  done  by  means  of 
tooth  forceps  made  especially  for  such  work.  Figure  9  is  a  pair 
of  forceps  for  pulling  the  molars  or  grinders  from  horses.  Figure 
8  is  a  speculum  for  opening  the  mouth  to  see  which  tooth  is  de- 
cayed and  where  to  place  the  forceps  for  its  extraction.  It  is 
generally  advisable  to  throw  a  horse  for  this  operation.  After 
the  horse  is  secured,  put  on  the  speculum,  grasp  the  tooth  firmly 
with  the  molar  extractor  (forceps)  and  by  using  steady  force  you 
may  be  able  to  remove  the  tooth.  Unless  the  whole  tooth  is  de- 
cayed and  loosened  it  will  be  found  a  big  job' to  pull  an  upper 
grinder  in  most  of  cases.    A  little  wooden  block  may  be  placed 


56 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


Fig.  9a.    Wolf  Tooth  Forceps,  for  pulling  Wolf  Teeth  (blind  teeth). 


Fig.  10.    Handle  for  Molar  Extractors  and  Cutters. 


on  the  sound  teeth  in  front  of  the  one  to  be  pulled  which  will 
serve  as  a  lever  by  which  extra  power  can  be  obtained.  If  the 
crown  of  the  tooth  is  decayed  so  there  is  no  hold  for  the  forceps, 
or  if  the  tooth  is  implanted  in  the  jaw  too  solid  to  be  pulled,  it 
may  be  removed  by  trephining  and  punching  it  out.  This  opera- 
tion is  done  by  cutting  the  skin  on  the  face  and  exposing  the  bone 
over  the  roots  of  the  teeth.  Then  bore  through  the  bone  by 
using  the  trephine  (Fig.  3),  and  with  a  steel  punch  about  three- 
eighths  size  drive  the  tooth  into  the  mouth.  If  colts  fail  to  shed 
their  colt  teeth,  they  should  be  pulled  before  they  interfere  with 
the  growth  of  the  permanent  teeth. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  57 


PARROT  MOUTH. 


Parrot-mouth  is  a  condition  in  which  the  incisors  (front  teeth) 
of  the  upper  jaw  project  further  forward  than  those  of  the  lower 
jaw,  and,  when  the  mouth  is  shut,  the  upper  incisors  pass  down 
in  f  1  ont  of  those  in  the  lower  jaw.  A  horse  with  this  deformity 
does  not  do  very  well  at  pasture,  for  the  simple  reason  that  he 
ca.n  not  gather  sufficient  grass  to  keep  him  in  good  condition. 
But;,  feeding  from  the  manger,  he  does  very  well,  except  when 
fed  on  ear  corn,  in  which  case  he  experiences  considerable  diffi- 
culty in  getting  the  grain  off  the  cob.  About  all  that  can  be 
dene  is  to  keep  both  the  upper  and  lower  incisor  teeth  shortened 
by  means  of  the  rasp  (Fig.  6),  to  prevent  contact  with,  and 
ii-jur}/  to,  the  soft  tissues. 

UNDERSHOT. 

This  is  just  the  opposite  from  parrot-mouth.  It  is  a  deformity 
in  which  the  under  jaw  is  longer  than  the  upper  jaw;  conse- 
quently, the  front  teeth  do  not  meet.  The  only  thing  to  be  done 
is  to  cut  or  rasp  off  the  front  teeth  when  they  get  too  long. 

LAMPAS. 

Lampa,s,  or  more  commonly  called  lampers,  is  the  name  given 
to  a  swelling  of  the  membrane  covering  the  roof  of  the  mouth 
just  behind  the  front  teeth.  Animals  between  the  ages  of  three 
and  five  years  are  most  subject  to  it.  On  examination  of  the 
mouth,  the  gums  and  rings  of  the  hard  palate,  just  behind  the 
upper  front  teeth,  are  found  to  be  unnaturally  reddened  and 
swollen,  the  animal  objecting  very  much  to  having  the  parts 
pressed  upon,  showing  that  the  parts  are  very  so're.    Many  horses 


58  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

have  naturally  very  prominent  gums,  etc.,  but  unless  the  parts 
are  reddened,  sore  and  tender,  it  is  not  lampas,  although  the 
parts  are  just  as  much  enlarged  as  in  a  case  of  lampas. 

Treatment. — Unless  it  is  a  genuine  case  of  lampas,  let  it  aione, 
as  you  will  do  more  harm  than  good.  Where  the  parts  are  in- 
flamed and  tender,  with  a  sharp  lance  or  a  pocket-knife  make 
several  shallow  cuts  across  the  first  two  bars  in  the  roof  of  the 
mouth.  The  cuts  must  be  made  in  front  of  the  third  bar,  and 
made  very  shallow,  as  you  are  liable  to  cut  an  important  blood 
vessel.  Under  no  conditions  burn  the  parts  with  a  red-hot  iron, 
as  this  is  cruel  and  barbarous  to  say  the  least.  After  bleeding 
in  the  mouth,  apply  alum  water  to  the  parts  once  or  twice  a 
day.  There  is  nothing  better,  though,  than  Dr.  LeGear's  Heal- 
ing Lotion  for  such  purposes.  Feed  on  soft  feed  for  a  few  days, 
and  lay  the  animal  off  work,  if  possible,  as  the  presence  of  the 
bit  in  the  mouth  will  keep  up  irritation. 

APHTHAE— SORE  MOUTH. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  mouth;  the  eruptions  are  usual- 
ly seen  about  the  lips  and  tongue. 

Causes. — Irritating  medicines,  foods,  or  other  .substances,  will 
produce  it. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  sweUing  of  the  parts,  little  blisters  are 
formed,  and  the  mouth  is  found  to  be  hot  and  tender;  the  appe- 
tite is  partly  or  wholly  lost,  and  there  is  difficulty  in  chewing. 

Treatment. — Change  the  food  and  give  a  laxative:  as,  raw  lin- 
seed oil,  1  pint;  powdered  gentian,  2  drams;  carbonate  of  soda,  4 
drams;  Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench.     Swab  out  the  mouth  with 


De.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  59 

chlorate  of  potash,  borax,  or  alum,  about  one-half  ounce  in  a  pint 
of  water.  Feed  on  soft  food,  as,  bran  mashes,  chops,  etc.,  and 
dampen  all  the  fodder  you  give  him. 

PTYALISM,  OR  SLOBBERING. 

1'his  consists  of  an  excessive  secretion  of  saliva  (spittle)  from 
the  mouth. 

Causes. — It  may  be  caused  by  irregular  teeth,  inflammation  of 
the  mouth  or  tongue,  or  by  such  medicines  as  mercury,  lobelia, 
etc.  Foreign  bodies,  as  nails,  wheat-chaff,  and  corn  cobs,  be- 
con)ing  lodged  in  the  mouth,  will  cause  it,  a,s  well  as  certain 
kinds  of  food. 

Treatment. — Ascertain  the  cause  of  the  trouble,  and  remov^e 
it.  Change  the  food,  and  feed  the  animal  some  of  our  Condition 
Powders.  Wash  the  mouth  out  with  alum  water  in  case  of  sore- 
ness. 

CHOKING. 

Choking  is  the  name  applied  to  the  trouble  where  an  animal 
gets  some  object,  or  portion  of  unmasticated  food,  lodged  in  the 
oesophagus  (gullet).  Cattle  are  more  frequently  troubled  with 
choking  than  horses.  Greedy  eaters  very  often  take  too  much 
into  their  mouths  at  once,  and  try  to  swallow  it  without  properly 
grinding  it;  therefore,  the  food — a  potato,  an  apple,  a  turnip,  an 
car  of  corn,  a  cob,  shelled  oats,  or  whatever  it  may  be — becomes 
lodged  in  the  gullet  by  being  too  large  to  pass  into  the  stomach. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  makes  continued  e^orts  to  swallow, 
and  may  have  spasms  of  pain  while  doing  so.    Slobbering  at  the 
5 


60  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

jnouth  is  abimdanl,  and  there  may  be  coughing.  If  the  animal 
attempts  to  drink,  the  M'ater  runs  out  through  his  nose.  In  cat- 
th^,  there  is  always  more  or  less  bloating  (accumulation  of  gas  in 
the  stomach).  If  the  substance  is  in  the  throat,  or  lodged  in  the 
gullet  between  the  throat  and  breast,  it  can  generally  be  plainly 
felt  from  the  outside.  After  the  object  has  been  lodged  in  the 
gullet  for  one  or  two  days,  swelling  and  inflammation  sets  in  and 
causes  great  pain  to  the  animal. 

Treatment. — If  the  obstruction  is  in  the  throat,  it  may  be 
worked  out  by  pressing  and  kneading  at  it  from  the  outside;  or  it 
may  be  removed  with  the  hand,  by  passing  it  into  the  mouth;  the 
latter  being  held  open  by  the  mouth  speculum.  If  it  is  below 
the  throat,  a  probang  (Fig.  11)  may  be  used  to  gently  force 


Fig.  11.    Probang,  used  in  choking,  in  horses  and  cattle. 

it  on  into  the  stomach.  The  probang  is  a  pliable  leather  tube, 
six  feet  long,  with  a  knob  on  the  end  to  press  on  the  object.  The 
probang  is  also  hollow,  through  which  a  little  oil  can  be  pour.ed 
for  the  purpose  of  softening  the  object  and  making  it  more 
easily  moved.  In  place  of  a  probang,  a  pliable  whalebone  whip 
may  be  used.  Never  run  a  broom-stick  or  hoe-handle  down  an 
aiiimars  throat,  for  you  will  surely  injure  the  gullet  and  kill  the 
animal.  A  gag  or  speculum  can  be  put  on  the  animal  to  keep 
it  from  biting  the  probang.  If  taken  in  time,  the  probang, 
})roi)erly  used,  will  generally  relieve  the  animal  in  a  few  minutes; 
but,  if  let  go  until  the  gullet  becomes  swollen  and  inflamed,  it  is 
often  a  very  difficult  job  to  unchoke  the  animal.  In  cattle,  you 
can  let  out  the  gas  through  the  hollow  probang  by  letting  it  re- 
main in  the  stomach  for  a  minute  or  two  after  the  obstruction  is 
removed.  A  probang  is  something  that  every  town  or  community 
ou<>ht  to  have  for  the  benefit  of  the  public,  where  there  is  no 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  61 

veterinary  surgeon.  If  the  obstruction  is  lodged  between  the 
throat  and  breast,  and  can't  be-  dislodged  with  the  probang,  it 
may  be  cut  down  upon  and  removed.  This  is  a  delicate  opera- 
tion, and  seldom  proves  successful,  except  when  performed  by  a 
qualified  veterinary  surgeon.  The  hole  in  the  gullet  must  be 
tightly  sewed  up,  also  the  muscles  and  skin,  by  separate  stitches. 
An  animal  should  be  fed  on  soft,  wet  food  for  several  days  after 
a  bad  case  of  choking. 

RESULTS  OF  CHOKING. 

Choking  may  result  in  rupture,  stricture,  or  dilalation  of  the 
oesophagu?  (gullet),  but,  as  little  can  be  done  for  these  condi- 
tions, we  will  not  describe  them. 

BOTS— LAEVAE  OF  THE  GAD-FLY. 

Bots  are  of  two  kinds:  the  stomach  hot,  which  infests  the 
horse's  stomach  during  development;  and  the  fundament  bot, 
which  is  found  in  the  rectum  (last  gut),  anus,  etc. 

It  is  surprising  what  erroneous  ideas  are  entertained  amongst 
most  horse  owners,  and  even  some  "horse  doctors,"  about  bots. 
As  every  obscure  lamenes,s  in  the  foot  is  supposed  to  be  in  the 
shoulder,  so  when  a  horse  is  taken  sick  with  abdominal  pain, 
nine  times  out  of  ten  it  is  laid  to  bots.  If  he  turns  up  his  upper 
lip,  looks  at  his  side,  paws  and  rolls,  or  shows  any  uneasiness, 
it  is  taken  as  a  sure  sign  of  bots. 

Bots  as  a  rule  are  harmless  parasites,  seldom  if  ever  producing 
any  mischief,  and  they  are  found  in  the  stomach  of  almost  every 
horse  that  dies,  sometimes  in  great  numbers,  adhering  to  its 
coats. 

One  of  the  best  authorities  on  the  subject, is  Cobbold,  who 
writes  as  follows: 


62  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

"The  cominoii  gad-fly  (Gastropilius  eqiii)  attacks  the  animal 
while  grazing  late  in  the  summer,  its  object  being,  not  to  derive 
sustenance,  but  to  deposit  its  eggs.  This  is  accomplished  by 
means  of  a  glutinous  excretion,  causing  the  ova  (egg)  to  ad- 
here lo  the  hairs.  The.  parts  selected  are  chiefly  those  of  the 
shoulder,  base  of  the  neck,  and  inner  part  of  the  forelegs,  espe- 
cially about  the  knees,  for  in  these  situations  the  horse  will  have 
no  difficulty  in  reaching  the  ova  with  its  tongue.  When  the 
animal  licks  those  parts  of  the  coat  where  the  eggs  have  been 
placed,  the  moisture  of  the  tongue,  aided  by  warmth,  hatches  the 
ova,  and  in  something  less  than  three  weeks  from  the  deposition 
of  the  eggs  the  larvae  have  made  their  escape.  iVs  maggots  they 
are  transferred  to  the  mouth,  and  ultimately  to  the  stomach,  with 
food  and  drink.  A  great  many  larvae  perish  during  this  passive 
mode  of  immigration,  some  being  dropped  from  the  mouth  and 
others  being  crushed  in  the  fodder  during  mastication.  It  has 
been  calculated  that  out  of  the  many  hundreds  of  eggs  deposited 
on  a  single  horse  scarcely  one  out  of  fifty  of  the  larvae  arrive 
within  the  stomach.  Notwithstanding  this  waste  the  interior  of 
the  stomach  may  become  completely  covered  (cuticular  portion) 
with  bots.  Whether  there  be  few  or  many  they  are  anchored  in 
this  situation  chiefly  by  means  of  two  large  cephalic  hooks.  After 
the  bots  have  attained  perfect  growth  they  voluntarily  loosen 
their  hold  and  allow  themselves  to  be  carried  along  the  aliment- 
ary eanal  until  they  escape  with  the  feces.  In  all  cases  they 
sooner  or  later  fall  to  the  ground,  and  when  transferred  to  the 
soil  they  bury  themselves  beneath  the  surface  in  order  to  undergo 
transformation  into  the  pupa  condition.  Having  remained  in 
the  earth  for  a  period  of  six  or  seven  weeks  they  finally  emerge 
from  their  pupal-cocoons  as  perfect  dipterous  (winged)  insects — 
the  gad-fly.  It  thus  appears  that  bots  ordinarily  pass  about  eight 
months  of  their  lifetime  in  the  digestive  organs  of  the  horse.'' 

It  is  very  common  to  hear  bystanders  declare,  when  a  horse  is 
suffering  from  what  is  commonly  called  colic,  "that  the  horse 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  63 

has  the  bots/'  and  their  suggested  treatment  is  always  varied 
and  heroic.  It  is  true,  we  have  good  reason  to  beHeve  that  they 
could  cause  serious  trouble,  as  claimed  by  some  veterinary  sur- 
geons, by  blocking  up  the  passages,  but  these  instances  are  so 
rare  that  such  cases  are  not  seen  in  a  lifetime.  At  post- 
mortem examinations,  when  the  stomach  is  found  to  be  ruptured, 
the  opinion,  frequently  expressed,  that  "the  bots  have  eaten 
through  the  stomach,"  is  asrain  a  mistake.  Bots  seldom  or  never 
do  this;  the  rupture  is  due  to  over-distention  of  the  viscus  with 
food  or  gases. 

Bots  may,  and  probably  do,  when  in  large  enough  numbers  to 
be  attached  to  the  true  digestive  portion  of  the  stomach,  slightly 
interfere  with  digestion;  the  animal  may  not  thrive,  the  coat 
stares,  and  emaciation  may  follow;  but  beyond  this,  with  a  few 
exceptions  already  noted,  they  are  harmless.  Even  if  they  were 
the  cause  of  the  trouble,  there  are  no  medicines  which  will  loosen 
them  from  their  attachments  and  cause  them  to  pass  out  of  the 
body. 

Treatment. — It  is  useless  to  give  treatment  in  order  to  loosen 
the  bots  from  their  attachments,  as  they  will  go  their  allotted 
time,  loosen  themselves,  and  pass  out  in  spring  or  early  summer. 
Horse  owners,  noticing  them  in  the  manure,  unhesitatingly  say 
that  his  horse  "has  the  bots." 

WORMS.    (INTESTINAL.) 

Worms  that  infest  the  horse  are  of  many  kinds,  and  may  be 
found  in  almost  every  part  of  the  body,  but  the  ones  we  shall 
refer  to  -are  found  in  the  stomach  and  bowels.  They  are  most 
common  in  young  horses,  especially  those  that  are  weak  and  un- 
thrifty; or  those  that  graze  on  low,  wet  or  marshy  pastures.  We 
shall  speak  of  but  a  few  of  the  most  common  ones:  First,  the 
Lumbricoid,  which  infests  principally  the  small  intestines,  is 


64  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

white  or  reddish  in  color,  and  measures  from  four  to  twelve 
inches  in  length.  Some  have  been  seen  that  were  nearly  thirty 
inches  long.  It  resembles  the  common  earth  worm,  being  thick- 
est at  the  middle  and  tapering  at  the  ends.  Second,  the  pin- 
worm,  found  principally  in  the  large  intestines,  is  another  com- 
mon variety  of  worms.  It  is  a  thread-like  worm,  and  is  but  one 
or  two  inches  long.  The  third  variety  is  the  tape-worm;  and 
when  once  seen  is  easily  recognized.  It  is  white,  flat,  broad  ^nd 
jointed,  and  sometimes  measures  from  twenty  to  thirty  feet.  Its 
head  is  found  at  the  smaller  end  of  the  worm. 

Symptoms. — The  surest  sign,  and  one  that  most  people  depend 
upon,  is  the  passage  of  worms  in  the  horse's  dung.  Other  im- 
portani  symptoms  are  slight  colicy  pains,  rubbing  of  the  tail  or 
rump,  depraved  appetite  shown  by  eating  dirt,  licking  the  walls, 
and  being  particularly  fond  of  salt;  the  horse  becomes  poor,  doe.s 
not  shed  his  coat,  is  hide-bound  and  pot-bellied.  Some  place 
much  dependence  upon  turning  up  of  the  upper  lip;  while  others 
declare  that  when  we  see  a  dried  whitish  substance  adhering 
around  the  anus,  worms  are  present. 

Treatment. — In  preparing  our  Worm  Remedy,  we  were  very 
careful  that  we  put  in  it  medicines  that  would  act  on  and  kill  {ill 
kinds  of  stomach  and  bowel  worms;  therefore,  in  ordinary  cases, 
all  that  is  necessary  to  give-,  is  one  teaspoonful  of  Dr.  LeGeai^'s 
Worm  Remedy  (see  Appendix)  night  and  morning  in  bran  mash 
or  other  soft,  damp  feed,  for  about  ten  days  or  two  weeks.  It  :"s 
advisable  to  give  bran  mashes  freely,  as  bran  is  a  laxative  and 
easily  digested,  and  is  benf.fi cial  in  the  treatment  of  worms.  If 
in  bad  cases  the  Worm  Remedy  fails  to  rid  the  horse  of  all  ^he 
worms,  give  the  following  physic  after  you  have  given  the  Worm 
Remedy  for  ten  days: 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  65 

Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes 6  drams. 

Powdered  ginger 3  drams. 

Calomel 2  drams. 

Turpentine IJ  ounces. 

Eaw  linseed  oil 8  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

The  Worm  Remedy  will  kill  the  worms,  and  the  above  physic 
will  drive  them  out.  If  pin-worms  are  present,  it  is  well  to  give 
the  horse  an  injection  of  warm  water  every  day  for  four  or  five 
days,  to  which  add  one  ounce  of  turpentine  to  every  gallon  of 
water.  The  turpentine  has  a  tendency  to  kill  the  little  worms 
lodged  away  back  in  the  rectum.  You  may  inject  tobacco  water 
instead  of  the  turpentine.  Our  Worm  Remedy  is  sure  death  to 
tlie  worms,  but  perfectly  harmless  to  the  hor.se.  It  not  only  kills 
the  worms,  but  it  aids  the  horse's  digestion,  tones  up  his  stomach 
and  bowels,  purifies  his  blood,  and  builds  up  his  whole  system  in 
general 

INDIGESTION,  OR  DYSPEPSIA. 

Indigestion  in  the  horse  is  similar  to  that  in  man.  This  is  an 
age  of  dyspeptics  in  man,  and  w^ould  be,  no  doubt,  in  the  horse 
were  he  fed  on  similar  "dainties,"  prepared  by  the  good  ^\dfe  to 
suit  our  highly  cultivated  tastes.  Happily  for  the  horse,  that  is 
not  so!  Indigestion  may  be  applied  to  all  those  conditions,  from 
any  cause,  where  digestion  is  improperly  performed,  and  not  pro- 
noimced  enough  to  produce  colic. 

Tlie  seat  and  causes  of  indigestion  vary  considerably  in  difierent 
liorses,  and  may  vary  in  the  same  horse  at  different  times.  One  of 
the*  first  things  to  examine  is  the  teeth.  If  these  are  sharp,  ir- 
regular or  decayed,  the  food  is  improperly  masticated  (chewed), 
and  taken  into  the  stomach  before  there  has  been  a  proper  ad- 
mixture of  saliva  (spittle).    Food  in  this  condition  is  anything 


66  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

but  fit  for  the  organs  of  digestion  to  act  upon.  The  bile  (fluid 
secreted  by  the  liver)  may  be  deficient  in  quantity  or  quality; 
there  may  be  lack  of  secretion  of  the  pancreas;  or  there  may  be 
lack  of  perstaltic  (worm-like)  movement  of  the  stomach  and  in- 
testines, which  is  very  essential  to  the  passage  of  the  ingesta. 
OUier  causes  are,  wintering  on  hard,  dry  hay  or  corn  stalks,  or 
any  bulky  or  innutritive  food;  irregular  feeding  or  over-feeding, 
though  the  latter  is  more  liable  to  cause  engorged  stomach. 

Symptoms. — It  is  characterized  by  an  irregular  appetite,  which 
is  often  depraved:  refusing  food  at  times,  and  at  others  eating 
ravenously;  his  depravity  is  shown  by  eating  wood,  dirt,  soiled 
bedding,  or  even  his  own  feces;  to-day  the  bowels  may  be  loose 
and  bad  smelling,  to-morrow  bound;  grain  often  passes  whole  in 
the  dung.  The  animal  loses  flesh,  the  skin  becomes  hard  and 
dry,  and  seems  very  tight  (hide-bound). 

Treatment. — If  the  teeth  are  sharp  or  irregular,  have  them 
rasped  by  a  veterinary  surgeon;  if  any  are  decayed,  they  must  be 
extracted;  if  due  to  ravenous  eating  or  bolting  the  food,  compel 
it  to  be  eaten  slowly  by  spreading  it  out  on  a  large  surface,  or  by 
putting  some  rocks  in  the  feed-box.  Also,  pay  particular  atten- 
tion to  the  quality  and  quantity  of  the  feed,  and  the  time  of  feed- 
ing; examine  the  water  supply,  and  see  that  it  is  given  before 
feeding.  Don't  forget,  the  seat  of  trouble  may  be  in  the  stom- 
ach, intestines,  or  other  organs  of  digestion.  To  remove  any  ir- 
ritation of  the  bowels,  such  as  worms,  undigested  food,  etc.,  give 
as  a  drench,  linseed  oil,  1  pint;  oil  of  turpentine,  1  ounce;  and 
follow  with  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders,  according  to  tlie 
directions  on  each  box. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  67 


RUPTURE  OF  THE  STOMACH. 

Causes. — It  is  usually  caused  by  the  horse  throwing  himself 
down  violently  when  the  stomach  is  full  of  gas,  food,  etc.,  during 
an  attack  of  acute  indigestion,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  never  very  positive,  and  in  no 
case  will  you  be  able  to  state,  positively  that  rupture  has  taken 
place.  Vomiting  is  a  prominent  symptom,  which  may  take  place 
before  or  aft-er  rupture  does.  The  animal  turns  round,  or  walks 
in  a  circle,  lies  down,  and  sits  upon  his  haunches  after  the  manner 
of  a  dog;  the  eyes  take  on  a  peculiar  stare,  cold  sweats  break  out, 
and  death  soon  occurs. 

Treatment. — Nothing  in  the  way  of  treatment  can  be  done 
for  it. 

FLATULENT  OR  WIND  COLIC. 

Flatulent  or  wind  colic  is  also  a  very  dangerous  disease,  unless 
relieved,  and  is  characterized  by  an  over-di.stention  of  gas  in  the. 
large  intestines. 

Causes. — Among  some  of  the  principal  causes  of  this  form  of 
colic  are,  coarse,  inferior  food,  especially  hay  or  com  that  is  sour 
or  mouldy,  imperfeet  mastication  (chewing),  owing  to  defective 
teeth,  etc.,  and  especially  in  old  animals,  whose  digestive  powers 
are  impaired;  sudden  changes  of  food  of  any  kind,  too  long  fast- 
ing, crib-biting,  etc.,  and,  in  fact,  anything  that  produces  indi- 
gestion may  operate  in  causing  flatulent  colic. 

Symptoms. — Quite  similar  to  cramp  coHc,  but  not  so  suddenly 
produced.    At  first,  the  animal  becomes  uneasy,  turns  his  head 


68  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

to  one  side  and  paws,  generally  throws  himself  down,  and  rolls; 
the  pulse  soon  runs  up,  and  the  abdomen  (belly)  is  seen  to  in- 
crease in  size — becoming  distended  with  gas.  In  a  well-marked 
case,  the  ribs  of  the  leanest  horse  can  no  longer  be  located.  The 
pains  are  continuous,  and  the  suffering  of  the  poor  animal  now 
becomes  very  great.  In  addition,  there  is  difficult  breathing, 
profuse,  sweating,  trembling,  staggering  gait,  and,  finally,  if  relief 
be  not  quickly  given,  death  will  very  soon  follow. 

Treatment. — ^Whatever  is  done  must  be  done  quickly.  Give 
at  once  Dr.  LeGear's  Colic  Cure,  according  to  the  directions  on 
each  bottle.     Give,  frequently,  injections  per  rectum  of  warm 


Fig.  12.    Trocar  and  Canula,  used  for  tapping  an  animal  in  wind  colic  (bloating). 

water,  with  a  small  quantity  of  common  salt  in  solution.  Gas 
escaping  by  the  anus  gives  relief,  and  is  to  be  regarded  as  a  fa- 
vorable sign;  and  at  this  time  don't  push  remedies  too  far,  as 
harm  may  result.  Tobacco  injections  are  highly  useful  in  all 
forms  of  colic.  If  the  above  treatment  fails  to  give  relief,  and 
the  belly  still  continues  to  enlarge,  recourse  must  be  had  to  the 
operation  of  puncturing  (tapping)  the  colon  to  allow  the  gas  to 
escape.  This  operation  must  be  done  with  an  instrument  for 
the  purpose,  called  the  trocar,  and  canula.  Select  a  spot  on  the 
right,  midway  betwixt  the  point  of  the  hip,  the  last  rib  and  the 
lumbar  transverse  processes,  plunge  the  instrument  in,  draw  out 
the  trocar,  thus  leaving  the  tube  (canula)  in  for  the  gas  to  pa,?s 
through.  This  operation  must  be  performed  before  the  animal 
gets  too  weak.  This  gives  the  animal  instant  relief,  and,  by  the 
time  the  gas  has  all  escaped,  the  animal  ceases  to  suffer.  The  af- 
ter-treatment consists  of  easily  digested  food  in  .small  quantities. 


De.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  69 

tonics,  etc.  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders  will  regulate  and 
tone  up  the  digestive  organs,  and  prevent  a  return  of  the  trouble. 
If  the  bowels  are  constipated,  give  the  following: 

Turpentine 1^  ounces. 

Raw  linseed  oil 1  quart. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

SPASMODIC  OR  CRAMP  COLIC. 

Spasmodic  or  cramp  colic  is  a  very  common  as  well  as  a  very 
dangerous  disease  of  the  horse,  and  is  more  commonly  known  as 
gripes,  bellyache,  etc.  It  is  wholly  of  a  spasmodic  nature,  and  if 
not  promptly  relieved,  will,  in  severe  cases,  run  into  inflamma- 
tion of  the  bowels,  causing  speedy  death. 

Causes. — The  common  causes  are  a  sudden  change  in  the  feed; 
dnnking  large  quantities  of  cold  water  when  in  a  heated  or  ex- 
hausted condition;  indigestible  food;  foreign,  bodies,  as  nails  or 
stones,  in  the  bowels;  driving  a  heated  horse  through  deep 
streams;  cold  rains;  draughts  of  cold  air,  etc.,  may  cause  it  as 
well  as  other  troubles. 

Symptoms. — This  form  of  colic  is  characterized  by  the  sud- 
denness of  the  attack.  All  at  once  the  animal  is  suddenly  seized, 
stamps  and  paws,  and  sometimes  kicks  as  though  he  were  trying 
to  strike  his  belly  with  his  hoof;  he  throws  himself  violently 
down,  rolls  from  side  to  side,  and  appears  to  be  suffering  intense 
pain.  After  rolling  a  while  he  gets  up,  stands  quietly  for  a  few 
minutes,  evidently  free  from  pain,  when  he  is  suddenly  seized 
again  and  goes  through  the  same  performances  as  before.  As 
the  attack  progresses  these  intervals  of  ease  become  shorter  and 
shorter,  until  the  spasms  are  continuous  or  nearly  so.  Now  the 
animal  breaks  out  in  profuse  perspiration,  continues  to  throw 


70  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

himself  down,  rolls  violently,  jumps  up,  drops  down  again,  paws 
iiud  strikes,  and  makes  fr-equent  attempts  to  urinate,  but  can  not. 
Because  he  can't  make  water,  those  ignorant  of  the  disease  are 
sure  to  pronounce  it  trouble  of  the  kidneys  or  bladder.  It  is  no 
positive  sign  because  a  horse  yields  or  sinks  when  pinched  over 
the  loins  that  it  is  kidney  trouble. 

During  a  spasm  the  pulse  runs  up;  between  spasms  it  rapidly 
decreases,  till  it  is  normal.  Sometimes  constipation  is  present; 
in  others,  diarrhoea.  It  is  a  bad  sign  to  see  diarrhoea  in  a  severe 
case  of  colic. 

It  will  be  difficult  in  many  cases  to  distinguish  between  colic 
and  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  as  the  symptoms  are  quite  sim- 
ilar. 


Fig.  13.    Injection  Pump,  used  to  Kive  injections  into  the  womb,  or  rectum 
(lower  bowel),  of  warm  water,  etc. 


Treatment. — If  taken  in  time  it  is  a  disease  usually  satisfactory 
to  treat.  Wliatever  plan  of  treatment  is  pursued,  it  must  be 
prompt  and  energetic.  As  soon  as  possible  a  draught  .should  be 
administered,  the  very  best  one  being  our  Colic  Cure.  Dissolve 
half  the  contents  of  the  bottle  in  a  pint  of  water  in  a  long-neck 
ijottle,  and  give  as  a  drench  at  once.  If  at  the  end  of  lialf  an 
liour  pain  is  still  present,  give  the  other  half  as  you  did  tlie  first. 
j^esides  this,  give  in  a  drench  1  pint  of  linseed  oil  as  a  laxative 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  71 

to  clear  out  the  intestinal  tract,  for,  if  any  foreign  substance  is- 
allowed  to  remain  in  the  bowels  it  may  cause  another  attack  in  a 
day  or  two  afterwards.  Also  give  injections  per  rectum  (Fig.  13) 
of  warm  water  containing  a  little  soap  and  turpentine.  Put  the 
animal  in  a  place  where  he  can  not  hurt  himself  and  allow  him 
to  roll  as  much  as  he  wishes,  as  it  gives  him  some  relief.  But 
don't  put  a  man  or  boy  on  him  and  run  him  up  and  down  the 
road.  This  is  a  cruel  and  dangerous  thing  to  do.  If  the  animal 
is  still  in  pain  after  you  have  given  two  or  three  doses  of  our 
Colic  Cure,  inject  under  the  skin  with  a  hypodermic  syringe 
(Fig.  2)  3  or  5  grains  of  morphine  dissolved  in  one  dram  of 
water.  Repeat  it  in  one  hour  if  necessary.  If  you  haven't  a 
syringe  to  put  morphine  under  the  skin,  give  as  a  drench  in  one- 
half  pint  of  cold  water  8  or  10  grains  of  morphine,  and  repeat  in 
one  hour  if  necessary.  Inject  one  or  two  buckets  of  warm  water 
into  the  rectum  every  hour.  The  following  may  be  beneficial  in 
some  cases: 

Chloral  hydrate 1  ounce. 

Sulphate  of  morphine 5  grains. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench.     Repeat  in  one  hour  if 
necessary. 

Never  give  medicine  through  the  nose,  as  this  is  a  dangerous 
and  cruel  procedure.  Many  a  poor  horse  is  killed  by  the  igno- 
rant owner  pouring  medicine  through  the  nose. 

CONSTIPATION. 

Constipation  is  an  undue  accimiulation  of  feces  in  the  in- 
testinal canal.  It  may  be  only  a  symptom  of  disease  as  well  as 
being  a  disease  of  itself. 


72  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Constipation  or  costiveness  is  often  witnessed  in  the  horse,  and 
more  particularly  in  the  foal.  The  colt  should  always  get  the 
first  of  the  mother's  milk,  for,  at  first,  this  milk  possesses  laxative 
properties.  Whenever  the  foal's  bowels  fail  to  act,  and  more 
particularly  if  there  are  signs  of  colicy  pains,  or  straining,  some- 
thing should  be  done  for  it.  In  most  cases  it  will  only  be  neces- 
sary to  give  a  few  injections  of  soapy  water  per  rectum  and  to 
introduce  the  finger  through  the  anus  to  break  down  any  hard- 
ened feces  found  there.  If  this  fails  to  regulate  the  bowels,  give 
from  2  to  4  ounces  of  castor  oil,  according  to  age.  Linseed  oil  is 
also  good  for  such  purposes.  Constipation  in  adult  horses  is  gen- 
erally due  to  long  feeding  on  dry,  innutritions  food,  lack  of  in- 
testinal secretions,  lack  of  exercise  or  water  supply,  derangements 
of  the  liver,  etc.  It  may  also  follow  indigestion,  as  well  as  other 
diseases,  or  any  derangement  of  the  digestive  system. 

Symptoms. — At  first  there  may  be  a  slight  diarrhoea,  which 
soon  ceases.  If  any  manure  is  passed,  it  consists  of  hard  pellets, 
and  perhaps  covered  with  mucus.  The  animal  is  dull  and 
sluggish,  and  shows  abdominal  pains  in  the  usual  way.  He  rolls 
and  paws,  but  not  in  a  manner  so  violent  as  in  colic.  A  symp- 
tom often  noticed,  especially  when  in  connection  with  the  large 
intestines,  is  a  tendency  on  the  part  of  the  animal  to  back  his 
buttocks  up  against  the  wall  or  manger  and  press  upon  the  parts. 
More  or  less  protrusion  of  the  rectum  is  noticed  on  acount  of 
frequent  straining  while  endeavoring  to  expel  the  feces. 

Treatment. — In  many  cases  a  change  to  light,  sloppy  diet,  as 
bran  mash,  etc.,  or  a  run  at  grass,  is  all  that  is  required.  If 
colicy  pains  are  present  a  physic  must  be  given: 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  73 

Barbadoes  aloes 6  drams. 

Bicarbonate  of  soda 4  drams. 

African  ginger 2  drams. 

Nux  vomica 1  dram. 

Powder,  and  mix  into  a  mass  with  syrup  or  soap,  and 
give  as  a  ball;  or  dissolve  the  powder  into  a  pint  of  water 
and  give  as  a  drench. 

If  the  above  does  not  move  the  bowels  in  from  24  to  36  hours, 
administer  the  following: 

Raw  linseed  oil  1  quart. 

Tincture  of  nux  vomica 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  give  in  one  dose  as  a  drench.  Repeat  every 
six  hours  until  a  passage  is  effected. 

If  there  is  much  pain  the  following  anodjme  mixture  may  be 
given  every  four  hours  if  necessary: 

Sulphate  of  morphia 8  grains. 

Water 8  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

When  due  to  lack  of  intestinal  secretions,  give  fluid  ex- 
tract of  belladonna  three  times  a  day  in  two-dram  doses,  and  a 
handful  of  epsom  salts  in  the  feed  daily.  Injections  per  rectum 
of  soapy  water  should  be  freely  employed  to  remove  all  hardened 
ft?ces  from  the  rectum  and  colon.  It  may  be  necessary  to  remove 
the  feces  with  the  hand  every  day  for  a  week  or  two,  if  any 
paralysis  of  the  rectum  is  present. 

In  all  cases  of  constipation  be  sure  to  follow  up  with  Dr.  Le- 
Gear's  Condition  Powders,  to  tone  up  the  .stomach  and  bowels, 
to  purify  the  blood,  regulate  the  liver,  kidneys,  etc. 


74  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


IMPACTION  OF  THE  LAEGE  BOWELS. 

This  is  a  very  common,  as  well  as  a  very  dangerous,  bowel 
trouble,  and  usually  results  in  death,  unless  promptly  recognized 
and  properly  treated. 

Causes. — Over-feeding  on  grain,  on  old,  dry,  hard  hay,  lack  of 
waler,  want  of  exercise,  lack  of  the  watery  secretions  of  the 
bowels,  or  paralysis  of  nerve-endings,  etc. 

Symptoms. — A  slight  abdominal  pain,  which  may  disap- 
pear for  a  day  or  two,  to  reappear  with  more  violence.  The 
manure  passed  is  hard  and  dry.  The  belly  is  full,  but  contains 
no  ga.s;  he  paws,  and  looks  back  at  his  sides.  Soon  the  animal 
lies  down,  head  and  legs  extended,  occasionally  raising  his  head 
to  look  toward  his  flank;  he  rises  occasionally  (from  five  to  fif- 
teen minutes),  walks  about  the  stall,  looks  at  his  sides,  backs  up 
against  the  stall,  paw.s,  and  soon  lies  down  again,  in  his  former 
position.  The  bowels  cease  now  to  move  at  all.  A  horse  may 
gufi'er  from  this  trouble  from  one  to  three  weeks,  and  then  re- 
cover, but  they  seldom  last  over  four  or  five  days. 

Treatment. — Give  at  once  the  following  purgative: 

Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes 1  ounce. 

Calomel 2  drams. 

Powdered  nux  vomica 1^  drams. 

Powdered  ginger  2  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

If  the  bowels  don^t  move  in  twenty-four  hours,  the  above  dose 
may  be  repeated,  but  not  before  that  time.    Give  injections  of 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  75 

warm  water  and  so<ipstids  ireely,  to  cl^an  out  the  rectum.  Give 
walking  exercise,  which  may  help  the  physic  to  act;  also,  allow 
the  animal  all  the  water  he  wants  before  it  acts,  but  don't  let  him 
drink  too  much  while  physicing.  The  bare  arm  may  be  oiled  and 
inserted  up  the  rectum,  and  with  the  hand  remove  any  dry 
feces  that  may  be  found.  Inflammation  of  the  bowels  is  liable 
to  follow  if  relief  is  nat  given. 

ENTERITIS,  OK  INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

Enteritis  is  an  inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  of  the 
bowels.  It  is  in  the  lower  animals,  as  well  as  in  man,  one  of  the 
most  serious  and  fatal  of  all  diseas&s,  and  a  well-«marked  case  in 
the  horse  is  almost  sure  death. 

Cause.^. — Among  the  many  causes  are,  foreign  substances  in 
the  bowels,  as,  sticks,  stone.s,  sand,  etc.;  irritant  poisons,  over- 
doses of  physic,  drinking  impure  water,  or  drinking  cold  water 
when  in  a  heated  co^ndition,  standing  in  draughts  of  cold  air 
nft^r  sweating  freely,  etc.  It  may  follow  such  diseases  as  colic, 
volvulus,  diarrhoea,  etc. 

Symptoms. — At  first,  the  symptom.s  are  similar  to  those  of 
colic  and  other  painful  bowel  troubles.  The  horse  walks  about 
the  stall,  paws,  lies  down  carefully,  and  usually  rolls  upon  his 
back,  and  remains  in  this  position  for  some  time.  There  is  a 
high  fever,  the  temperature  running  up  to  103  or  105  degrees 
Fahrenheit.  The  full,  quick  pulse,  high  temperature,  continuous 
pain,  which  is  incre?.«ed  upon  pressure,  position  of  the  horse 
when  down,  coldness  of  ears  and  legs,  etc.,  will  enable  you  to 
tell  a  case  of  inflammation  of  the  bowels.  At  a  later  stage  of  the 
disease,  the  pulse  becomes  weak  and  wiry.  Now  the  eyes  look 
blood-shot,  and  have  a  glassy  appearance;  the  patient  seems  un- 


76  Dr.  LkGear's  Stock  Book. 

coiiscioii.«:,  and  "wanders  about  his  stall,  taking  no  notice  of  his 
surroundings.  Soon  there  comes  a  period  of  quietness,  which 
may  be  regarded  as  the  turning  point  of  the  disease.  If  the  pulse 
at  this  time  begins  to  recover  its  tone,  it  may  be  regarded  as  a 
good  sign;  but,  if  the  pulse  is  weak  and  running  down,  the  body 
and  legs  cold,  the  mouth  cold  and  clammy,  the  case  may  be  re- 
garded a.s  hopeless,  the  symptoms  shown  indicating  that  gan- 
grene (mortification)  has  set  in.  In  some  cases,  the  animal  may 
live  eight  or  nine  hours  after  gangrene  has  set  in,  but  death 
u:^un]jy  follows  in  an  hour  or  so. 

'J'reaiment. — The  treatment  of  enteritis  is  anything  but  satis- 
factory. You  must  endeavor  to  overcome  the  disease  by  giving 
medicine  that  will  overcome  the  pain.  For  this  purpose,  give  Dr. 
LeG  ear's  Colic  Cure  (see  Appendix)  every  half -hour  until  relief 
is  obtained.  Don't  stop  with  one  bottle,  but  keep  giving  as  long 
as  there  is  any  hope  of  recovery.  If  it  is  a  strong,  fat  animal,  a 
good  blood  letting,  from  six  to  ten  quarts,  may  be  attended  with 
benefit.  Mustard,  ammonia,  hot  water,  etc.,  may  be  applied  to 
the  belly,  to  assist  in  relieving  the  pain.  Give  linseed  tea,  oat- 
meal gruel,  starch  water,  etc.,  to  drink.  All  foods  that  are  in 
the  le?.«t  hard,  dry,  and  indigestible,  should  be  avoided.  If, 
when  the  inflammation  subsides,  the  bowels  do  not  act,  give 
w^aiking  exercise,  and,  if  necessary,  a  dose  of  raw  linseed  oil. 
Feed  lightly  for  a  week  or  ten  days,  on  roots,  grass,  bran  mashes, 
etc.,  and  keep  rather  quiet. 

INTUSSUSCEPTION,  OE  INVAGINATION. 

Intussusception,  or  invignation,  is  the  slipping  of  one  portion 
of  a  bowel  into  another  porion,  similar  to  a  partially  turned 
glove  finger.    The  small  bowels  are  the  ones  usually  affected. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  77 

Causes. — Eather  difficult  to  account  for  in  many  cases.  It 
may  occur  from  a  severe  attack  of  spasmodic  colic,  in  which  the 
animal  throws  himself  down  violently.  It  may  also  follow  diar- 
rhoea, inflammation  of  the  howels,  or  an  injury,  exposure  to  cold, 
etc. 

Symptoms. — Ft  i.s  a  troubk-  difficult  to  recognize.  There  are 
colicy  pains  similar  to  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  but  not  so 
violent,  and  are  more  prolonged.  The  pulse  may  vary  from  45 
to  100  beats  per  minute.  There  is  also  a  peculiar  sighing  or 
catching  of  the  breath..  Sitting  upon  the  haunches  is  a  promi- 
nent symptom,  and,  when  seen,  death  is  almost  certain  within 
fort3'-eight  hours  from  the  beginning  of  the  attack. 

Treatment. — This  trouble  usually  ends  in  death.  However,  a 
ca?e  may  occasionally  be  cured.  About  all  you  can  do  is  to  try 
to  allay  the  pain  by  giving  our  Colic  Cure  (see  Appendix),  in  ad- 
dition to  which  a  dose  of  olive  oil  may  be  given.  Keep  the  ani- 
mal perfectly  quiet.  Sometimes  the  invaginated  portion  of  the 
bowels  may  slough  ofl'  and  come  away  with  the  manure,  and  re- 
covery take  place.  Injections  of  warm  water  per  rectum  should 
be  freely  used. 

VOLVULUS,  GUT  TIE;  OR,  TWISTI^^G  OF  THE  BOWELS. 

This  condition  consists  in  a  portion  of  the  bowels  becoming 
twisted,  or  tied  in  some  way  or  other. 

Cause. — Similar  to  intussusception,  such  as  violent  abdominal 
pains,  etc.,  will  produce  it. 

Symptoms. — The  s\Tnptoms  of  volvulus  are  about  the  same 
as  intussusception. 


78  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — Treat  the  same  as  for  intussusception,  which  is 
generally  useless. 

DIARRHOEA. 

Diarrhoea  is  just  the  opposite  of  constipation,  and  consists  in 
the  passage  of  an  undue  quantity  of  liquid  feces.  It  is  quite 
common  amongst  horses  and  cattle,  and,  in  a  majority  of  cases, 
is  a  symptom  of  some  other  disease,  but  also  occurs  as  a  separate 
trouble. 

Causes. — Feeding  on  rich  and  succulent  (juicy)  food,  when  the 
animal  is  not  accustomed  to  it,  and  over-doses  of  physic,  which 
produces  one  of  the  worst  forms  of  diarrhoea;  drinking  stagnant 
or  putrid  water,  diseased  condition  of  the  teeth,  eating  irritating 
substances,  etc.,  are  among  the  many  causes.  Horses  with  long 
bodi.es,  long  legs,  and  narrow,  flat  sides  are  predisposed  to  scour, 
and  are  called  ^' washy"  by  horsemen.  Fast  or  road  work  aggra- 
vates the  trouble,  and,  in  fact,  may  cause  it. 

.  Symptoms. — It  is  easily  recognized.  There  are  frequent  wa- 
tery discharges,  sometimes  forced  out  in  a  violent  manner,  while 
in  others  it  may  be  seen  trickling  down  the  legs.  After  each 
passage,  there  is  quite  often  slight  griping  pains.  In  a  day  or 
two  the  pulse  becomes  quicker  and  weaker,  the  ears  and  ex- 
tremities become  colder  than  in  health,  and  the  animal  gets 
weak  and  staggers  in  his  gait.  He  has  no  appetite,  but  has  an 
excessive  thirst.  If  not  checked,  inflammation  of  the  bowels 
may  follow. 

Treatment. — Try  and  find  out  the  cause  of  it  before  you  begin 
its  treatment.  If  due  to  some  irritant  in  the  bowels,  give  at  once 
one-half  to  one  pint  of  linseed  oil  is  a  drench.  Nearly  every  case 
of  diarrhoea  can  be  cured  in  a  short  time  by  giving  from  two  to 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  79 

four  tablespoonsful  of  our  Colic  Cure  (see  Appendix)  every  half- 
hour  in  one  pint  of  water  as  a  drench.  Blanket  the  animal,  and 
hand-rub  and  bandage  the  legs,  to  keep  up  the  circulation.  If, 
after  you  have  given  the  Colic  Cure  for  two  or  three  hours,  the 
diarrhoea  still  continues,  then  try  the  following: 

Powdered  opium 1  dram. 

Powdered  catechu 4  drams. 

Prepared  chalk 3  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  shake  well,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat 
in  one  hour  if  necessary. 

Use  the  animal  carefully  in  regard  to  feed  and  work  for  some 
time. 

DYSENTERY— BLOODY  FLUX. 

Dysentery,  or  bloody  flux,  is  an  affection  of  the  lining  mem- 
brane of  the  bowels,  characterized  by  thin,  coffee-colored  or 
bloody  discharges,  with  a  very  offensive  smell,  and  passed  with 
much  straining.  It  is  seldom  seen  in  the  horse,  but  quite  com- 
mon among  cattle. 

Causes. — Foreign  bodies  in  the  bowels,  such  as  sand,  poison- 
ous substances,  etc.,  will  cause  it.  It  also  arises  from  grazing  on 
low,  wet  lands,  drinking  impure  or  stagnant  water,  etc.  Diar- 
rhoea of  long  standing  may  terminate  in  dysentery. 

Symptoms. — The  most  prominent  symptom  is  the  thin,  bloody 
discharge  from  the  bowels,  with  a  disagreeable  odor;  and  on  ex- 
amination it  may  be  seen  to  contain  shreds  of  mucus  mem- 
brane (lining  membrane  of  the  bowels).  Griping  pains  with  loss 
of  appetite  are  early  symptoms.    There  is  a  high  fever,  the  pulse 


80  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

is  quickened,  and  the  patient  has  a  great  desire  for  water.  The 
strength  rapidly  fails,  the  flanks  present  a  hollow  appearance,  the 
coat  dry  and  hot,  and  unless  relieved  death  soon  follows. 

Treatment. — This  is  a  very  dangerous  and  fatal  disease.  More 
horses  die  that  become  affected  with  it  than  recover.  Give  8 
ounces  raw  linseed  oil  and  1  ounce  of  laudanum  as  a  drench. 
The  oil  is  soothing  to  the  bowels,  and  the  laudanum  quiets  the 
pain  and  checks  the  discharge.  We  know  nothing  better  in  this 
disease  than  our  Colic  Cure,  giving  four  tablespoonsful  every 
two  hours  in  1  pint  of  cold  water.  This  preparation  (Colic  Cure) 
will  quiet  the  pain,  stimulate  the  animal,  and  has  astringent 
properties  to  check  the  discharge.  Strictly  pure  cool  water  must 
be  allowed.  Perfectly  sound,  easily  digested  food  given  in  small 
quantities  to  eat.  If  the  above  remedies  fail,  the  following  may 
be  given: 

Powdered  opium 1  dram. 

Powdered  catechu 3  drams. 

Tincture  ginger 1  ounce. 

Tincture  aconite 20  drops. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  shake  well,  and  give  as  a  drench.    Kepeat  in 
four  hours  if  necessary. 

One  pint  of  water  containing  1  ounce  of  laudanum  may  be 
injected  into  the  rectum  two  or  three  times  per  day.  If  the  ani- 
mal improves,  he  then  needs  a  good  course  of  tonic  powders,  and 
there  is  nothing  superior  or  cheaper  than  Dr.  LeGear's  Condi- 
tion Powders. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  81 


DISEASES  OF  THE  LIVER. 

Diseases  of  the  liver  are  very  rare,  and  they  are  very  hard  to 
diagnose  when  they  do  take  place.  A  horse  has  no  gall-bladder, 
which  is  one  reason  he  seldom  has  any  liver  derangement.  Dis- 
eases of  the  liver  are  mor6  frequently  seen  in  the  Southern  coua- 
try  than  up  North,  but  they  are  rare  here.  The  bile,  in  the  horse, 
as  soon  as  it  is  secreted,  is  emptied  right  into  the  bowels,  and  not 
stored  in  the  gall-bladder,  as  in  man  and  other  animals.  The 
liver  is  the  largest  secreting  gland  in  the  body,  weighing,  in  the 
horse,  10  or  12  pounds.  It  secretes  the  bile  and  gets  rid  of  cer- 
tain effete  materials  from  the  system.  Bile  acts  as  a  laxative, 
stimulating  the  peristaltic  action  of  the  bowels.  In  derangement 
of  the"  liver  there  is  generally  constipation,  and  clay  colored 
feces;  also  jaundice  (yellow  appearance  of  the  mouth  and  lining 
of  the  eyes),  which  shows  that  the  bile  is  not  being  secreted  from 
the  blood. 

INFLAMMATION    OF    THE    LIVER. 

We  will  here  give  a  brief  description  of  this  trouble,  as  some 
reader  of  this  book  may  be  benefited  thereby.  It  is  seen  more  in 
horses  that  are  fed  high,  an-d  have  very  little  to  do.  It  may  be 
caused  by  feeding  highly  on  stimulating  food  during  the  hot 
weather.  Injuries  on  the  right  side  over  the  liver  may  cause  in- 
flammation. 

Symptoms. — There  may  be  dullness,  and  more  or  less  ab- 
dominal pain;  the  animal  laying  down  on  the  left  side  most  of 
the  time.  Constipation,  clay-colored  feces,  if  any  be  passed,  and 
the  urine  is  high  colored  and  scanty.  Pressure  on  the  right  side 
just  back  of  the  last  rib  may  cause  pain.     The  lining  of  the 


82  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

eyes  and  mouth  are  of  a  yellow  color.    The  appetite  mav  be  im- 
paired or  entirely  lost. 

Treatment. — Give  the  following  physic: 

Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes G  drams. 

Calomel .» 2  drams. 

Ginger 2  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  shake  well  together,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

If  this  does  not  work  on  the  bowels,  repeat  it  in  30  hours.  A 
good  mustard  paste  should  be  rubbed  in  well  over  the  region  of 
the  liver  on  the  right  side  of  the  animal.  If  the  animal  will  eat, 
feed  moderately  for  sometime.  Give  our  Condition  Powders  reg- 
ular for  sometime.  A  run  at  grass  is  an  excellent  thing  after 
the  acute  stages  of  the  disease  have  passed. 

JAUNDICE THE   YELLOWS. 

This  can  not  be  considered  as  a  disease  of  itself,  but  is  due  to 
some  disordered  condition  of  the  liver.  It  is  caused  by  the  reteu- 
tion  and  absorption  of  bile  into  the  blood.  It  can  be  detected  by 
looking  at  the  eyes,  nose  and  mouth,  when  it  will  be  seen  that 
these  parts  are  yellowish,  instead  of  the  pink  color  of  health. 
The  urine  is  dark  colored,  the  dung  is  of  a  dirty  gray  color,  and 
constipation  is  mostly  present. 

Treatment. — Give  a  physic  as  recommended  for  inflammation 
of  the  liver.  Calomel  in  2-dram  doses  may  be  given  every  day 
for  three  or  four  days.  Feed  lightly  on  light  food,  as  grass,  green 
food,  bran,  oats,  etc.  Give  our  Condition  Powders  night  and 
morning  for  two  weeks,  after  the  bowels  have  been  thoroughly 
opened  with  a  physic. 


Dr.  LeGeah's  Stock  Book.  83 

There  are  a  few  other  troubles  that  the  Kver  is  liable  to,  such 
as  Eupture  of  the  Liver,  Cirrhosis,  Gall-Stones,  Worms  in  the 
Liver,  etc.  They  are  so  seldom  met  with  and  so  hard  to  detect 
that  we  will  not  attempt  here  to  give  an  account  of  each. 

Diseases  of  the  Pancreas  and  Spleen  (melt)  are  so  rare,  or 
their  symptoms  are  so  little  understood,  that  we  will  not  attempt 
to  give  any  of  them  here.  The  spleen  becomes  enlarged  in  cer- 
tain diseases,  as  in  Texas  Fever  in  cattle,  but  diseases  of  the 
spleen  are  very  little  understood. 

EUPTUEE— HEENIA. 

Euptures  are  quite  a  common  occurrence  among  young  ani- 
mals. The  most  common  place  for  it  to  appear  is  at  the  umbili- 
cus (navel),  and  in  the  scrotum  (bag).  Although  animals  at  any 
age  are  liable  to  rupture  from  direct  injur}^,  such  as  kicks,  rolling 
on  sharp  objects,  goring  from  cattle's  horns,  etc.,  the  injury 
may  not  be  severe  enough,  or  the  instrument  sharp  enough,  to 
break  through  the  skin,  but  a  breach  i.s  made  in  the  muscles, 
which  lets  a  portion  of  the  bowels  come  through  the  opening 
against  the  skin,  putFmg  out,  forming  a  swelling  or  enlargement. 

Symptoms. — The  indication  of  rupture  at  the  navel  is  a  soft, 
puffy  swelling,  varying  in  size  from  a  pecan  to  that  of  a  man's 
head.  It  is  generally  somewhat  smaller  than  a  man's  fist.  In 
pressing  upon  it,  a  little  hole  can  be  plainly  felt,  through  which 
the  protruded  mass  comes.  Eupture  at  the  scrotum  can  be  de- 
tected by  the  increased  size  of  the  bag,  generally  at  one  side. 
Ventral  hernia,  or  rupture  caused  by  an  injury,  can  be  detected 
by  the  sudden  appearance  of  a  soft,  puffy  swelling  in  the  region 
of  the  belly.  On  examining  it,  a  breach  can  be  detected,  through 
which  the  bowels  come. 


84  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — Rupture  at  the  navel  in  eolts  should  be  let  alone, 
as  a  majority  of  them  will  disappear  themselves  by  the  time  the 
colt  is  one  or  two  years  old.  If,  at  the  age  of  two  years,  the  rup- 
ture is  .still  present,  it  will  generally  require  some  mode  of  treat- 
ment to  cure  it.  Sometimes  a  good  blister,  applied  to  the  swell- 
ing, causes  the  rupture  to  disappear  by  closing  up  the  opening. 
Bandages  are  useful,  if  they  can  be  kept  in  place.  Another  mode 
of  treatment  is  to  cast  the  animal  on  his  back,  and  carefully  re- 
turn the  bowels  into  the  abdominal  cavity.  A  clamp,  similar  to 
those  used  in  the  old  method  of  castration,  is  put  over  the  loose 
portion  of  skin  and  tied  moderately  tight,  and  let  remain  on  until 
it  sloughs  off.  The  skin  just  above  the  clamp  is  held  so  closely 
together  that  it  unites,  and,  when  the  clamp  drops  off,  the  cavity 
is  generally  healed  over.  Eupture  of  the  scrotum  may  cause  a 
stallion  very  severe  colicy  pains  by  the  circulation  being  shut  off, 
or  by  the  food  not  being  able  to  pass  through  the  loop  in  the 
bowels  which  forms  the  rupture.  In  severe  cases  of  colic  in  stal- 
lions, these  parts  should  always  be  examined.  This  form  of  rup- 
ture in  colts  will  generally  get  well  of  itself  if  let  alone;  but,  of 
course,  there  are  ca,ses  that  need  treatment.  In  castrating  colts, 
this  is  one  thing  that  should  be  looked  for.  If  you  wish  to  cas- 
trate a  ruptured  horse,  it  may  be  done  by  returning  the  bow^els 
into  the'  abdominal  cavity  and  applying  a  clamp  over  the  testicle, 
bag  and  all,  and  let  the  clamp  remain  on  until  it  sloughs  off  both 
the  bag  and  the  testicle.  In  rupture  from  an  injury,  it  may  be 
relieved  by  an  operation.  Fast  the  animal  for  twelve  or  eighteen 
hours,  then  throw  him,  and  return  the  bowels  into  the  abdominal 
cavity.  Then  the  skin  may  be  cut  over  the  enlargement,  and  the 
edges  of  the  divided  muscles  brought  together  with  catgut 
sutures,  and  the  skin  securely  sewed  with  silk.  Feed  the  animal 
lightly  for  a  few  days,  and  apply  a  bandage  around  the  body  to 
support  the  stitches. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  85 

CHAPTER  VII. 
THE  URINARY  ORGANS. 

The  urinary  organs  are,  the  kidneys,  ureters  (tubes  leading 
I'rom  the  kidneys  to  the  bladder),  bladder,  and  urethra  (tube 
leading  from  the  bladder  through  which  the  urine  is  expelled). 
Their  functions  are  to  secrete  the  urine  from  the  blood,  and  ex- 
pel it  from  the  body.  The  urine  is  a  watery  fluid  holding 
in  solution  a  varying  quantity  of  earthy  salts,  and  a  peculiar  sub- 
stance, urea,  which,  if  not  expelled  from  the  body,  acts  as  a  blood 
poison.  The  kidneys  are  very  important  organs  of  the  body,  and 
have  a  very  essential  duty  to  perform;  therefore,  it  is  all-import- 
ant that  they  be  kept  in  proper  working  condition,  and  free  from 
disease.  Certain  affections,  with  imperfect  nutrition  or  destruct- 
ive waste  of  the  bony  tissues,  tend  to  charge  the  urine  with  phos- 
phates of  lime  and  magnesia,  and  induce  the  formation  of  stone 
and  gravel.  All  general  diseases  of  the  system  more  or  less  affect 
the  kidneys  by  giving  them  extra  work  to  do  —  carrying  off 
the  w^aete  products  and  poisons  of  the-  disease.  The  kidneys  are 
located  under  the  loins,  one  on  each  side  of  the  backbone.  The 
bladder  i,s  located  in  the  pelvic  cavity,  and  it  serves  as  a  reservoir 
for  the  urine.  From  the  bladder  leads  the  urethra,  through 
which  the  urine  escapes.  Below  will  be  found  a  brief  description 
of  the  more  important  diseases  of  the  urinary  organs. 

NEPHRITIS— INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  KIDNEYS. 

Inflammation  of  the  kidneys  is  not  so  c(5mmon  among  the 
lower  animals  as  in  man.  It  usually  occurs  in  the  chronic  form, 
being  rarely  met  with  in  the  acute  form.    Only  one  kidney  may 


86 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


THE  KIDNEY  — LONGITUDINAL  SECTION. 

(a)  Cortical  or  vascular  portion ;  (6)  medullary  or  tubular  portion ;  (c)  periph- 
eral portion  of  the  latter;  (d)  interior  of  the  pelvis;  (d'  d')  arms  of  the  latter; 
(e)  border  of  the  crest;  (/)  inf undibulum ;  (g)  ureter,  the  tube  leading  to  the 
bladder. 

be  affected,  while  in  other  cases  both  are  affected  at  the  same 
time. 


Causes. — Exposure  to  wet  and  cold  weather,  feeding  on  infe- 
rior food,  :is  damaged  corn,  mouldy  ha}^,  etc.,  the  administration 
of  large  and  repeated  doses  of  resin,  saltpetre  and  other  diuretics. 
A  spanish-fly  blister,  as  well  as  injuries,  such  as  jumping,  fall- 
ing, carrying  heavy  weights,  etc.,  may  cause  nephritis. 


Symptoms. — The  pulse  ranges  from  45  to  50;  there  is  usually 
a  high  fever;  the  animal  .shows  pain  and  uneasiness  by  lying 
down,  and  sometimes  rolling  (but  not  so  violent  as  in  colic),  and 
turning  his  head  toward  the  region  of  h's  kidneys:  frequent  at- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  87 

tempts  are  made  to  urinate,  but  little  is  passed,  and  is  usually- 
mixed  with  blood.  The  flanks  are  sunken,  the  belly  tucked  up, 
ond  the  animal  may  walk  with  a  straddling  gait.  In  the  chronic 
form,  the  symptoms  are  not  so  well  marked  as  in  the  acute. 
Swelling  of  the  limbs  may  be  noticed,  the  animal  appears  dull 
and  languid,  and  stretches  himself  in  the  stall,  stretching  out  his 
Jiind  legs,  and  will  stand,  sometimes  for  hours,  in  that  position. 
When  brought  out  of  the  stall,  the  animal  shows  stiffness  in  the 
region  of  the  loins,  but  this,  upon  exercise,  soon  disappears. 

Treatment. — Every  effort  should  be  made  to  relieve  the  kid- 
neys of  their  work,  and  keep  them  quiet.  Give  one  quart  of  raw 
Lnseed  oil  to  move  the  bowels.  If  this  doesn't  physic  the  animal 
well,  repeat  it  in  thirty  hours.  Give  three  tablespoonsful  of  our 
Colic  Cure  every  four  hours  in  one  pint  of  cold  water,  as  a 
drench.  This  will  quiet  the  pain,  and  lower  the  fever.  Make 
the  animal  sweat  by  blanketing  the  body  heavily.  Apply  hot 
cloths  over  the  region  of  the  loins,  and  cover  with  dry  blankets. 
Kenew  the  hot  cloths  every  half -hour.  Our  Liniment,  w^ell 
rubbed  in  over  the  loins  two  or  three  times  per  day,  will  be  found 
of  great  benefit.  Feed  the  animal  on  a  good,  nutritious  diet,, 
and  use  very  easily  for  some  time. 

DIURESIS  —  DIABETES  INSIPIDUS  —  PROFUSE 
STALING. 

Diabetes  consists  in  the  passage  of  large  quantities  of  a  clear 
watery  urine,  accompanied  by  great  loss  of  strength  and  spirit,, 
great  thirst,  etc. 

Causes. — This  disease  in  most  cases  is  due  to  faulty  feeding, 
as  damaged  corn,  moldy  hay,  etc.  Food  of  any  kind  that  is  dam- 
aged in  any  way  or  inferior  in  quality,  may  cause  the  disease. 
Other  common  causes  are  the  continued  use  of  impure  water,  the 


S8  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

reckless  use  of  certain  medicines  which  are  commonly  found  in 
quack  horse  powders,  as  well  as  in  certain  plants  and  grasses, 
•which  set  up  irritation  of  the  kidneys  and  produce  the  trouble. 

Symptoms. — The  horse  appears  to  be  always  thirsty  and  drinks 
at  every  opportunity,  and  passes  his  urine  every  time  you  stop 
him,  the  discharge  being  clear  and  watery,  and  without  any  odor 
(smell.)  The  eye  becomes  dull,  the  spirits  are  depressed,  the 
animal  is  weak  and  sluggish,  sweats  easily,  and  can  endure  bat 
little.  The  flanks  become  tucked  up,  the  animal  gets  poor,  the 
skin  becomes  tight,  the  hair  stands  erect  and  has  lost  its  gloss. 
The  animal  may  live  for  months,  or  may  die  early,  according  to 
the  severity  of  the  attack. 

Treatment, — The  first  thing  to  do  is  to  look  to  the  feed,  and 
see  that  the  animal  is  supplied  with  sound  hay  and  grain.  It  is 
advisable  to  make  a  change  in  the  feed  any  way,  as  well  as  the 
drinking  water.  A  liberal  supply  of  boiled  flaxseed  in  the  drink- 
ing water  is  very  useful.  Also  feed  on  boiled  oats,  bran,  etc. 
Pure  water  should  be  frequently  given,  and  in  small  quantities. 
The  following  powders  generally  act  like  magic  in  curing  this 
disease: 

Iodine  . 3  drams. 

Iodide  of  potassium 4  drams. 

Sulphate  of  iron 1  ounce.' 

Powdered  gentian 2  ounces. 

Mix,  and  make  six  powders,  and  give  one  powder  night 
and  morning  in  damp  feed. 

DIABETES  MELLITUS. 

Diabetes  Mellitus  (sugar  diabetes)  is  more  a  disease  of  the  ner- 
vous system  or  liver,  than  that  of  the  kidneys. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  89 

Causes. — Its  causes  are  various,  but  most  of  them  may  be  in- 
cluded under  any  disorders  of  the  liver  c.'  cf  the  brain. 

Symptoms.  —  Great  thirst,  profuse  passage  of  a  pale  urine, 
rapid  loss  of  condition,  scurvy,  unthrifty  skin,  indigestion,  etc., 
and  the  presence  in  the  urine  of  a  sweet  principle — sugar.  The 
best  way  to  detect  this  is  to  touch  the  tip  of  the  tongue  with  a 
drop. 

Treatment. — This  is  a  disease  that  has  received  a  great  deal  of 
study  and  investigation,  but  as  yet  no  reliable  remedies  have  been 
discovered.  Great  attention  should  be  paid  to  the  diet  of  the 
animal.  Give  food  that  is  as  free  of  saccharine  properties  as 
possible.  Some  good  may  be  obtained  by  giving  our  Condition 
Powders  for  two  or  three  weeks  in  the  feed. 

BLOODY  URINE— HAEMATURIA. 

As  seen  in  the  horse,  bloody  urine  is  usually  the  direct  result 
of  some  injury  across  the  loins  (small  of  the  back)  or  irritation 
caused  by  stones  (calculi)  in  the  kidney,  bladder,  etc. 

Treatment. — You  must  first  find  out  the  exact  cause.  If  due 
to  a  stone  in  the  bladder  you  must  endeavor  to  remove  it.  Give 
slippery-elm  and  linseed  tea  to  drink.  If  the  discharge  is  abund- 
ant, apply  cold  water  to  the  loins  and  keep  the  animal  quiet. 
Give: 

Sugar  of  lead 1  dram. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 


90  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Or  give — 

Tincture  of  iron  1  ounce. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

CYSTITIS— INFLAMMATION  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

Inflammation  of  the  bladder  may  occur  in  all  animals,  but  it 
is  not  very  frequently  seen. 

Causes. — It  may  be  caused  by  stone  in  the  bladder,  or  from 
feeding  the  animal  on  strong,  irritating  medicine  or  food.  Any- 
thing that  will  make  the  urine  of  an  irritating  character  is  liable 
to  cause  cystitis. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  shows  considerable  pain  and  passes 
urine  frequently,  but  only  a  small  quantity.  Pain,  more  or  less, 
is  shown  after  each  effort  to  urinate,  by  strainging  and  groaning, 
and  moving  the  tail  and  hind  legs.  On  passing  the  hand  into 
the  rectum  or  vagina  the  bladder  is  found  to  be  hot  and  tender. 
Pressure  in  the  flanks  may  cause  pain. 

Treatment. — If  in  the  mare  or  cow,  inject  into  the  bladder 
warm  water  1  quart,  laudanum  1  ounce,  using  a  suitable  syringe. 
Repeat  the  injection  once  daily.  Apply  blankets  wrung  out  of 
hot  water  over  the  loins,  and  feed  on  bran  mashes,  linseed  meal, 
grass,  etc.  If  much  fever  is  present,  give  15  drops  of  tincture 
of  aconite  in  one-half  pint  of  cold  water  as  a  drench,  and  repeat 
every  four  hours.  Give  1  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil  as  a  drencli. 
Use  the  animal  carefully  for  some  time. 

These  failing,  injections  of  warm  water  containing  2  ounces 
of  laudanum  may  be  tried;  also  give  the  following: 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  91 

Sweet  nitre *  2  ounces. 

Laudanum  or  chloral  hydrate 1  ounce. 

Water   1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

If  in  a  horse,  the  catheter  (Fig.  14),  well  oiled,  may  be  gently 
passed  up  the  penis  and  the  urine  drawn  off.  In  a  mare,  all  that 
is  necessary  to  dilate  it  is  to  insert  one  finger  into  the  neck  of 
the  bladder. 


Fig.  14.    Horse  Catlieter,  for  drawing  the  urine  from  the  bladder  of  horses. 

SPASM  OF  THE  NECK  OF  THE  BLADDER. 

This  condition  consists  in  a  tight  closure  of  the  outlet  from 
the  bladder  by  contraction  of  the  small  circular  muscles  that 
open  and  close  it. 

(■auses. — Hard,  continuous  driving,  without  a  chance  to  pass 
urine,  draughts  of  cold  air  when  warm  and  fatigued,  extensive 
blisters  of  Spanish-fly  over  the  loins,  certain  medicines,  stone  in 
the  bladder,  and  exposure  to  cold  rain  storms. 

Symvioms. — Frequent  .stretching  and  straining  to  pass  water, 
without  being  able  to  do  so.  On  resuming  his  natural  position, 
the  f.nimal  still  continues  uneasy,  paws,  shakes  the  tail,  looks 
back  to  the  flank,  kicks  at  his  belly  with  his  hind  feet,  lies  down 
and  rises,  and  tries  to  urinate  a.s  before.  With  the  oiled  hand  in- 
troduced into  the  rectum  (last  gut),  the  bladder  full  of  urine 
may  be  felt. 


92  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — As  some  mares  refuse  to  make  their  water  in  har- 
ness, they  should  be  unhitched  at  suitable  times  for  such  pur- 
poses. In  all  cases,  take  the  animal  out  of  the  harne.ss,  spread 
clean  hay  or  straw  beneath  the  belly,  or  turn  the  patient  out  on 
the  dung  heap.  Some  accomplish  the  act  by  slow  whistling, 
others  by  pouring  water  from  one  vessel  into  another  with  a 
dribbling  noise. 

PARALYSIS  OF  THE  BLADDEIJ. 

Causes. — It  is  associated  with  diseases  of  the  .spinal  cord, 
broken  back,  where  there  is  palsy  of  the  tail  and  of  the  hind 
limbs. 

Symptoms. — When  the  neck  of  the  bladder  is  affected,  there  is 
constant  dribbling  of  urine,  which  runs  down  the  inside  of  the 
thighs.  When  the  neck  is  not  affected,  the  urine  is  retained  until 
the  bladder  is  very  full,  when  it  may  be  forced  out  with  a  gush. 
This,  however,  does  not  entirely  empty  it,  as  it  mav  still  remain 
half-full. 

Treatment. — Gentle  pressure  with  the  oiled  hand,  well  in- 
serted into  the  rectum,  may  force  it  out,  but  it  is  better  to  use 
the  catheter  (Fig.  14)  to  draw  the  urine  off.  Give  the  fol- 
lowing: 

Saltpetre 2  ounces. 

Iodide  of  potassium 1 J  ounces. 

Powdered  nux  vomica 1^  ounces. 

Mix  into  twelve  powders,  and  give  one  morning  and 
night  in  damp  feed. 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  93 


GRAVEL— STONE. 

This  is  the  formation  of  calculi  (stones)  in  the  kidneys  and 
bladder.  They  may  be  few  or  many,  and  vary  in  size  from  the 
finest  grain  of  sand  to  that  of  a  man's  fist.  We  have  a  specimen 
on  hand  now  of  a  stone  taken  from  a  horse's  bladder,  after  death, 
by  Earnest  Witte,  of  Shelby,  Texas,  that  weighs  over  three 
pounds.  Gravel  is  seen  more  frequently  in  districts  where  stock 
are  compelled  to  drink  water  highly  impregnated  with  lime. 

Symptoms. — Stones  may  be  present  in  the  kidneys  or  bladder 
for  a  long  time  before  they  cause  the  animal  any  inconvenience. 
The  urine  may  be  passed  with  difficulty,  and  changed  in  color, 
becoming  unnaturally  white  or  milky  in  appearance.  Gravel  in 
the  bladder  often  causes  a  great  deal  of  irritation,  and  more  or 
less  inflammation  of  the  same.  The  urine  may  be  passed  with 
pain  being  checked  before  the  bladder  is  empty,  and  dribble 
away  in  a  small  stream,  or  be  shut  off  entirely.  Blood  and  mucus 
may  be  passed.  If  a  close  examination  of  the  urine,  is  made, 
gravel  may  be  found.  The  pain  may  be  so  severe  that  the  horse 
will  have  severe  colicy  pains  by  a  stone  blocking  up  the  passage 
of  urine.  Stone  in  the  kidney  is  often  very  severe,  and  causes  the 
horse  a  great  deal  of  pain  and  uneasiness.  Urine  will  be  passed 
often  in  small  quantities,  with  pain  with  each  effort.  Pressure 
on  the  loins  may  cause  a  great  deal  of  pain. 

Treatment. — If  due  to  drinking  lime  water,  discontinue  it,  and 
give  cistern  water  entirely.  Also,  give  plenty  of  salt.  If  the  ani- 
mal is  in  much  pain,  he  can  be  relieved  by  giving  our  Colic  Cure 
in  ordinary-sized  dases.  Repeat  every  hour  until  relieved.  Give 
tn.  the  drinking  water  every  morning  1  dram  of  carbonate  of 
potash;  also,  give  1  teaspoonful  of  our  Condition  Powders  morn- 
ing and  night  in  damp  feed  for  two  or  three  weeks.    Where  the 


94  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

gravel  gets  lodged  in  the  canal  leading  from  the  bladder,  it  has 
to  be  removed  by  cutting  upon  it  and  removing  by  an  operation. 
Stone  may  be  removed  from  the  bladder  of  a  mare  or  cow  by  in- 
serting a  long  pair  of  suitable  forceps  into  the  bladder  through 
the  urethra. 

AZOTURIA— POISONING  BY  ALBUMENOIDS. 

This  is  more  a  disease  of  the  liver  and  blood  than  of  the  kid- 
neys, as  a  great  many  suppose. 

Causes. — Any  horse  that  is  kept  up  and  well  fed  and  has  not 
regular  exercise,  is  liable  to  this  trouble,  especially  driving  horses. 
For  instance,  a  horse  has  regular  work  and  receives  a  large  sup- 
ply of  good  food,  when  from  some  cause  or  other  he  is  allowed 
to  stand  idle  in  the  stable  for  several  flays  and  still  receives  the 
usual  quantity  of  rich  and  stimulating  food.  Now,  if  the  animal 
is  taken  out  and  given  exercise,  it  is  then  the  disease  will  show 
itself,  especially  if  the  drive  be  rapid. 

Symptoms. — The  horse,  after  having  been  well  fed  and  rested 
for  several  days,  comes  out  of  the  stable  full  of  life  and  in  high 
spirits.  After  traveling  a  short  distance,  he  is  noticed  to  become 
somewhat  dull  and  sluggish,  sweats  freely,  and  then  shows  stiff- 
ness in  the  loins  and  goes  rather  lame  behind.  In  traveling  he 
drags  the  limbs  along,  may  stagger  slightly,  manifests  weakness 
in  the  hind  quarters,  and  finally  stops,  being  unable  to  proceed 
any  further  on  his  way.  He  may  remain  standing,  but  usually 
falls  or  lies  down.  When  down  he  is  unable  to  rise,  and  shows 
considerable  pain.  If  allowed  to  stop  at  first,  he  would  lie 
down  and  roll  like  a  horse  with  the  colic.  The  muscles  of  the 
hip  soon  become  as  hard  as  though  composed  of  iron.  In  some 
cases  the  fore  limbs  become  affected;  in  this  form  it  is  not  so 
severe  as  when  affecting  the  hind  quarters.    The  pulse  is  usually 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  95 

quickened,  the  breathing  increased,  with  a  high  fever,  and  the 
bowels  are  found  to  be  loaded.  The  urine  is  thick  and  of  a  very 
dark  color,  and  invariably  has  to  be  drawn  with  a  catheter.  (See 
Fig.  14.) 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  the  horse  is  noticed  to  be  getting  stiff 
and  lame  he  should  be  stopped  at  once  and  taken  out  of  the  har- 
ness.    Give  at  once  a  good  purgative,  as  follows: 

Barbadoes  aloes 9  drams. 

Bromide  of  potassium 6  drams. 

Ginger 4  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

If  no  other  physic  can  be  had,  give  1  quart  of  raw  linseed  oil. 
Keep  the  animal  on  his  feet  if  possible.  If  he  goes  down  it  may 
be  well  to  raise  him  up  with  slings.  Apply  to  the  hips  and  loins 
blankets  wrung  out  of  hot  water  and  cover  them  with  dry  ones. 
Have  the  water  just  as  hot  as  he  can  stand  it,  and  change  the 
blankets  every  twenty  minutes.  After  removing  the  blankets 
bathe  the  affected  muscles  with  some  good  stimulating  liniment, 
and  there  is  none  as  good  as  Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment.  (See  Ap- 
pendix.) Use  the  liniment  two  or  three  times  a  day.  Draw  off 
the  urine  two  or  three  times  a  day  with  the  catheter  (Fig.  14) 
if  he  can't  pass  it.  After  giving  the  physic  follow  it  up  with  the 
following: 

Bromide  of  potassium 3     ounces. 

Nitrate  of  potassium IJ  ounces. 

Mix,  and  make  six  powders,  and  give  one  powder  morn- 
ing, noon,  and  night,  dissolved  in  one-half  pint  of  water. 


96  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Give  the  animal  all  the  pure  water  he  will  drink,  and  feed  on 
bran,  boiled  oats,  grass,  fodder,  etc.  Keep  the  patient  in  a  com- 
fortable place  and  have  him  well  cared  for.  This  is  a  disease  if 
taken  in  time  and  has  the  proper  treatment  that  can  in  most  cases 
be  cured  in  from  two  to  six  days.  After  the  horse  has  improved 
considerably,  give  him  the  following  tonic  powders: 

Nitrate  of  potassium 1^  ounces. 

Powdered  gentian 3  ounces. 

Powdered  sulphate  of  iron 3  ounces. 

Powdered  nux  vomica 1^  ounces. 

Powdered  anise  seed 2  drams. 

Mix,  and  make  twelve  powders,  and  give  one  powder 
morning  and  night  in  damp  feed. 

Or  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders  (see  Appendix)  may  be 
given,  which  are  just  as  good  and  much  cheaper. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  97 

CHAPTER  VIII. 
THE  SKIN. 

The  skin  of  the  domesticated  animals  performs  several  very  im- 
portant functions.  Besides  covering  and  protecting  the  body,  it 
removes  daily  about  one-sixty-seventh  of  the  weight  of  the  body. 
Experiments  go  to  show  that  of  eight  parts  of  food  taken  into  the 
healthy  body,  about  three  parts  leave  it  by  the  bowels  and  kid- 
neys, three  by  the  lungs,  and  two  by  the  skin.  It  is  an  important 
breathing  apparatus,  excreting  carbonic  acid  and  absorbing  oxy- 
gen. On  account  of  its  constant  and  large  secretion  of  fluid,  the 
.skin  is  an  important  factor  in  regulating  animal  temperature. 
So  important  are  the  purifying  functions  of  the  skin  that  if  an 
animal  be  covered  by  a  complete  coat  of  varnish,  which  complete- 
ly prevents  sweating,  the  animal  will  die  in  a  remarkabl}^  short 
time  from  suffocation  and  poisoning  of  the  system. 

The  sweat  glands  are  very  numerous,  there  being  in  the  skin 
of  a  horse  from  2000  to  3000  on  every  square  inch.  The  activity 
of  these  glands  is  regulated  by  the  .sweat  centres  located  in  the 
brain.  The  amount  of  natural  perspiration  depends  mainly  upon 
the  dryness  and  temperature  of  the  air.  Unnatural  sweating  is 
brought  on  by  exercise,  the  taking  of  food,  drinking  warm 
drinks,  and  by  certain  medicines  that  stimulate  the  nerve  centres. 

NON  -  SWEATING. 

It  will  be  seen  by  reading  the  above  remarks  on  the  skin  how 
important  it  is  for  horses  to  sweat.  It  is  quite  a  common  occur- 
rence among  horses  in  this  country,  especially  large  horses  that 
are  shipped  in  here  from  the  North,  to  have  the  sweat  checked  on 


98  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

them  and  they  do  not  sweat  no  matter  how  liard  or  fast  you  drive 
them  on  a  hot  summer  day. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  this  trouble  are  generally  by  being 
cooled  off  too  quickly,  by  being  watered  or  stood  in  a  draught 
when  very  hot  from  a  hard  drive.  It  is  caused  more  readily  in 
hor,ses  not  acclimated,  or  when  the  animal  is  not  well.  Northern 
horses  that  are  fed  corn  all  summer,  and  worked  hard  in  the  hot 
sun,  are  very  liable  to  suffer  from  this  trouble. 

Symptoms. — Perhaps  the  first  thing  noticed  will  be  dullness  of 
the  animal,  and  no  sweating.  When  driven,  the  animal  will 
breathe  very  fast  and  almost  suffocate,  but  does  not  sweat.  The 
pores  of  the  skin  become  blocked  up  and  the  nerve  centres  de- 
ranged, and  the  waste  and  poisonous  material  that  should  come 
out  with  the  sweat  remains  in  the  system.  The  blood  becomes 
impregnated  with  this  effete  material,  and  on  going  to  the  lungs 
to  be  jJurified  it  gives  extra  work  to  the  lungs,  thus  the  cause  of 
the  panting  breathing  and  suffocation.  An  animal  in  this  con- 
dition is  very  easily  overcome  by  the  heat  and  subject  to  sun- 
stroke. 

Treatment. — In  the  treatment  of  this  trouble,  the  great  object 
in  view^  is  to  promote  the  secretions  of  the  skin.  If  the  animal 
is  much  exhausted,  and  breathing  fast,  give  the  following: 

Sweet  nitre 1  ounce. 

Alcohol 3  ounces. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  every  hour  until 
relieved. 

Give  a  change  of  feed;  feed  oats  and  bran,  but  no  corn;  give 
the  animal  a  good  bath,  and  put  three  or  four  blankets  on  him 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  99 

and  stand  in  a  stall  and  let  him  remain  covered  up  for  one  hour. 
Then  remove  the  blankets  and  rub  him  dry.  Repeat  this  bath- 
ing and  blanketing  every  morning  for  one  or  two  weeks.  It  may 
be  well  to  give  the  above  drench  at  each  time  of  bathing.  Clean 
the  skin  well  once  or  twice  a  day  with  a  curry-comb  and  bru^h. 
Give  regular,  but  gentle,  exercise.  Give  1  teaspoonful  of  our 
Condition  Powders  morning  and  night  for  two  weeks.  After  the 
animal  is  relieved  to  a  considerable  extent,  a  run  at  pasture  will 
be  beneficial. 

ECZEMA. 

This  disease  is  a  very  common  one,  especially  so  during  the 
hot  months  of  summer,  and  is  often  mistaken  for  mange.  Ecze- 
ma is  a  non-contagious  disease  of  the  skin,  characterized  by  the 
formation  of  a  small  pimple,  which  afterwards  becomes  a  vesicle 
(blister),  and  finally  a  pustule  (containing  pus  or  matter). 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  a  changed  condition  of  the  blood, 
produced,  or  at  least  aggravated,  by  a  change  from  cold  to  hot 
weather,  and  by  certain  kinds  of  food,  etc.  It  is  commonly  seen 
in  horses  on  pasture,  especially  when  grazing  on  over-ripe  grass, 
etc.  An  animal  once  having  the  disease  is  more  liable  to  another 
attack  than  he  would  be  if  he  had  never  had  it,  especially  when 
fed  on  a  highly  nutritious  diet. 

Symptoms. — Dryness  of  the  hair  is  noticed,  and  itchiness  of 
the  skin,  causing  the  animal  to  rub  his  head  and  neck  with  very 
great  violence  on  being  brought  in  from  work.  When  running 
out  at- pasture  he  will  often  rub  the  fence  down  in  his  frantic 
efforts  to  obtain  relief.  The  head,  neck,  the  region  of  the  mano, 
root  of  the  tail,  etc.,  are  the  parts  most  affected.  Eczema  comes 
on  suddenly,  while  mange  comes  on  gradually,  and  it  is  quite  as 
difficult  to  treat,  if  not  more  so,  than  mange. 


-100  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment.  —  This  disease  requires  both  local  and  constitu- 
tional treatment.  Wash  the  animal  every  second  day  for  at  least 
ten  days  with  castile  soap  and  water,  and  apply  the  following 
wash  every  morning  to  all  the  affected  parts  with  a  swab  or 
brush. : 

Corrosive  sublimate 2  drams. 

Alcohol 4  ounces. 

Water 4  ounces. 

Mix. 

On  mornings  of  washing  apply  the  wash  directly  after  wash- 
ing. After  using  the  wash  for  about  ten  days  or  two  weeks,  dis- 
continue it  and  grease  all  the  affected  parts  every  morning  with 
carbolized  salve,  which  will  bring  out  the  growth  of  hair.  The 
internal  treatment  consists  of  tonics  and  alteratives  to  purify  the 
blood  and  act  on  the  skin.  Give  every  morning  in  damp  feed 
two  tablespoonsful  of  Fowler's  Solution  of  Arsenic.  At  night 
give  one  teaspoonful  of  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders  (see 
Appendix)  in  damp  feed.  Make  a  complete  change  of  feed.  Give 
bran  mash  freely,  in  which  put  the  medicine.  Give  oats,  but 
no  corn,  for  some  time.  Give  gentle  but  not  severe  exercise  dur- 
ing treatment  or  for  some  time  afterwards. 

CEACKED  HEELS— SCRATCHES. 

Cracked  heels,  or  more  commonly  called  scratches,  is  a  very 
common  trouble  among  race  horses,  affecting  both  runners  and 
trotters.  The  heavier  breeds  of  horses  are,  however,  the  most 
liable  to  this  trouble.  The  hind  legs  are  usually  the  ones  af- 
fected. 

Causes. — Cracked  heels  may  be  caused  in  many  ways,  as  wash- 
ing the  heels  and  not  drying  them  properly,  irregular  exercise. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  101 

standing  in  filthy,  wet  stables,  etc.  A  common  cause  of  the  dis- 
ease in  horses  of  fast  work  is,  that  on  sweating  freely  the  per- 
spiration runs  down  upon  the  heels,  irritates  and  causes  them  to 
crack.  Sometimes  the  animal  gets  his  foot  over  a  rope  and  rubs 
it,  setting  up  an  irritation  which  by  improper  treatment  ter- 
minates in  cracked  heels.  Scratches  may  also  be  caused  by  the 
injudicious  use  of  blisters;  in  fact,  any  irritant  substance  what- 
ever may  cause  it.  Cracked  heels  is  a  condition  seldom  seen 
among  horses  that  are  properly  cared  for. 

Symptoms. — A  reddened  appearance  of  the  heel  is  usually  the 
fii:st  thing  noticed.  This  is  soon  followed  by  the  appearance  of 
cracks  or  fissures,  which  usually  extend  from  side  to  side.  If  the 
trouble  is  in  the  fore  limbs  the  animal  will  be  very  stiff  in  his 
action,  until  he  becomes  warmed  up,  or  until  the  blood  oozes  out, 
when  the  stiffness  will  disappear.  When  in  the  hind  limbs  the 
stiffness  is  not  so  great.  Sometimes  there  is  a  slight  swelling  of 
the  affected  limb,  extending  in  some  cases  as  high  as  the  hock. 

Treatment.— In  the  majority  of  cases  the  only  treatment  neces- 
sary is  to  apply  to  all  the  affected  parts  two  or  three  times  per 
day  Dr.  LeGear's  Healing  Lotion.  (See  Appendix.).  Keep  the 
parts  as  clean  as  possible,  but  don^t  wash  very  often.  Keep  the 
animal  quiet  for  a  few  days  and  in  a  clean  dry  place.  If  the 
above  treatment  fails  to  cure,  or  greatly  improve  the  case  in  a 
^week's  time,  give  the  physic  given  in  the  treatment  of  Mallend- 
ers,  and  follow  with  Dr.  LeGear^s  Condition  Powders  to  purify 
the  blood.  Apply  the  Healing  Lotion  at  least  twice  per  day 
during  the  treatment,  or  until  cured. 


102  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


GREASE. 


This  disease  shows  itself  in  connection  with  the  heels  of  a 
horse,  especially  the  hind  ones.  It  is  known  as  "grease"  on  ac- 
count of  the  oily  or  greasy  character  of  the  discharge  which  takes 
place  form  the  affected  parts.  Heavy  horses  are  far  more  subject 
to  an  attack  than  the  lighter  breeds.    It  is  not  contagious. 

Causes. — Certain  kinds  of  horses  are  subject  to  this  trouble, 
as  the  heavier  breeds,  those  possessing  flat  feet  and  having  large 
quantities  of  hair  on  their  limbs,  etc.  The  most  common  cause 
of  grease  is  scratches,  and  the  various  causes  which  operate  in 
producing  cracked  heels  also  operate  in  producing  grease,  as 
washing  the  parts  too  frequently,  or  washing  and  not  drying,  the 
improper  use  of  blisters,  etc. 

Symptoms. — There  is  more  or  less  swelling  of  the  parts,  ac- 
companied by  redness,  and  soon  followed  by  a  slight  discharge. 
Soon  the  discharge  becomes  oily  in  character,  the  hair  comes  out, 
and  the  skin  is  considerably  inflamed.  The  odor  of  the  discharge 
draws  attention  to  the  parts  whenever  one  approaches  the  animal, 
and  if  not  actively  and  properly  treated  the  tense  tender  skin 
cracks  open,  leaving  open  sores  from  which  vascular  bleeding 
growths  grow  up,  constituting  the  "grapes."  This  is  known  as 
the  grapous  stage.  The  heel  may  now  appear  as  one  mass  of^ 
rounded,  red,  small,  angry,  tumor-like  processes  (similar  to 
grapes),  which  bleed  on  handling  and  have  a  very  offensive  dis- 
charge. When  grease  extends  to  and  involves  the  frog  of  the 
horse's  foot  it  is  known  as  canker.  Neglected  or  improperly 
treated  grease  may  terminate  in  big  leg. 

Treatment. — In  bad  cases  of  grease  the  first  thing  to  be  done 
is  to  give  a  good  physic  to  clean  out  the  bowels,  and  follow  it  up 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  103 

with  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders,  given  in  the  usual  size 
doses  morning  and  night  in  damp  feed  to  purify  the  blood.  The 
best  physic  in  a  case  of  this  kind  is  as  follows: 

Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes 1  ounce« 

Powdered  ginger 2  drams. 

Mix. 

The  above  can  be  made  into  a  bolus  with  vaseline  and  put 
back  on  the  root  of  the  tongue  with  the  hand,  or  dissolved  in  1 
pint  of  warm  water  and  given  as  a  drench.  Clip  the  hair  closely 
from  the  parts  and  wash  off  all  the  scabs  and  matter  with  castile 
soap  and  water,  and  use  a  little  carbolic  acid  (1  part  to  40  of 
water)  to  destroy  the  bad  smell.  Apply  to  the  affected  parts  twice 
per  day  Dr.  LeGear's  Healing  Lotion,  and  dust  well  on  to  the 
parts  after  putting  on  the  Healing  Lotion,  Dr.  LeGear's  Screw 
Worm  Powder.  If  there  is  much  fever  and  swelling  in  the  parts, 
put  on  a  linseed  meal  poultice  and  change  it  twice  per  day.  Mix 
it  up  with  warm  water  and  tie  it  on  with  a  soft  cloth.  Give 
easily  digested  food,  as  bran,  oats,  chops,  grass,  etc.  In  mild 
cases  the  Healing  Lotion  and  Screw  Worm  Powder  will  gener- 
ally effect  a  cure  when  applied  according  to  directions.  But  in 
the  grapous  stage  of  the  disease  caustics,  or  the  hot  iron,  must  be 
used,  the  latter  is  the  best.  Caustic  potash  is  the  best  caustic  to 
use  to  remove  the  grapes,  but  blue  stone,  burnt  alum,  etc.,  may 
be  used  instead;  or  use  the  following: 

AVhite  arsenic 2  drams. 

Vasehne 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  apply  occasionally  to  keep  down  the  excessive 
granulations  (grapes). 

It  may  be  well  in  some  cases  to  remove  the  shoe,  but  in  most 
cases  of  Grease,  as  well  as  that  of  Scratches,  a  high  heeled  shoe 


104  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

will  be  found  very  beneficial  to  remove  the  strain  from  the 
cracks. 

If  an  ointment  is  preferred,  use  the  following: 

Oxide  of  zinc 2  drams. 

Carbolic  acid 20  drops. 

Vaseline 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  apply  to  the  affected  parts  twice  a  day. 

NETTLE  RASH— SUBFEIT— URTICAEIA. 

Nettle-rash  is  a  skin  affection  characterized  by  the  sudden  ap- 
pearance of  small  elastic  eminences,  varying  in  size  from  a  hazel 
nut  to  a  hickory  nut,  and  which  may  be  observed  over  the  whole 
body  surface,  but  more  particularly  in  the  region  of  the  neck, 
shoulders,  flanks,  etc.  It  it  also  known  as  "urticaria,"  "surfeit," 
etc.,  and  is  most  commonly  seen  during  the  hot  months  of  sum- 
mer. 

Causes. — Certain  kinds  of  food  may  produce  it,  and  take  it 
all  in  all,  derangement  of  the  digestive  organs  is  the  most  com- 
mon cause.  Allowing  an  animal  to  cool  off  suddenly,  or  giving 
him  a  drink  of  cold  water,  when  hot  and  sweating  freely,  is  a 
very  frequent  cause  of  the  trouble. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  is  sudden.  The  eminences  are  elastic 
to  the  touch,  and  usually  round  in  shape.  They  may  disappear 
in  a  few  hours,  or  may  remain  on  the  animal  for  eight  or  ten 
days.  In  some  cases  as  quickly  as  one  set  of  elevations  disappear 
they  are  followed  by  a  new  lot.  Usually  there  is  an  itching  sen- 
sation of  the  skin,  as  shown  by  the  animal  rubbing  himself,  as 
well  as  slight  constitutional  disturbance;  pulse  and  appetite 
slightly  affected,  etc. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  105 

Treatment. — This  is  a  disease  that  generally  yields  to  treat- 
ment very  readily  when  taken  in  time.  Give  as  a  drench  one 
pint  of  raw  linseed  oil,  after  which  give  one-half  teaspoonful  of 
saltpetre  in  the  drinking  water  or  on  damp  feed  night  and  morn- 
ing. Bathe  all  the  affected  parts  twice  per  day  with  1  pint  of 
vinegar  to  1  gallon  of  cold  water.  Reduce  the  quantity  of  feed 
given  to  about  one-half.  Give  bran  mashes,  grass,  etc.,  if  they 
can  be  had. 

MUD  FEVER. 

Mud  fever  consisi;s  of  an  inflammation  of  the  skin  in  the  re- 
gion of  the  hock  behind,  and  the  knees  in  front. 

Causes. — Mud  fever  may  result  from  any  of  the  causes  which 
produce  cracked  heels,  as  washing  and  not  drying,  irregular  ex- 
ercise, standing  in  filthy,  wet  stables,  driving  through  mud  and 
slush,  etc.  It  is  most  common  during  spring  and  autumn,  when 
cold  water  is  used  to  wash  the  legs. 

Symptoms.  —  On  examination  the  outside  layer  of  the  skin 
about  the  hocks  or  knees  is  found  to  be  inflamed.  The  pain  is 
often  quite  severe,  the  hair  comes  out  to  a  certain  extent,  the 
irritation  extends  to  the  deeper  structures  of  the  skin,  often 
giving  rise  to  considerable  swelling.  In  some  cases  constitu- 
tional symptoms  are  present,  the  appetite  interfered  with,  and  if 
the  exciting  cause  be  kept  up  the  general  system  becomes  very 
much  affected. 

Treatmsnt. — The  treatment  for  mud  fever  is  the  same  as  for 
Mallenders,  which  see. 


106  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


MALLENDERS. 

This  is  an  eczematioiis  (like  eczema)  condition  of  the  skin, 
localizing  itself  on  the  front  legs  just  back  of  the  knees,  causing 
a  scurviness  and  dryness  of  the  parts.  It  is  commonly  seen  among 
heavy  horses,  and  stallions  suffer  more  frequently  than  mares  or 
geldings. 

Causes. — The  causes  are  a  sluggish  circulation,  improper  feed- 
ing, irregular  exercise,  improper  grooming,  etc.  It  may  also  be 
due  to  the  action  of  certain  blistering  prepaj'ations. 

Smyptoms. — At  first  there  is  an  irritation,  followed  by  redness 
in  some  cases,  and  a  watery  discharge  takes  place  from  the  affect- 
ed part.  The  cracks  which  form  often  extend  quite  through  the 
skin.  The  first  symptoms  may  after  a  while  disappear,  and  the 
case  take  on  a  chronic  form.  The  animal  may  alsc  fall  off  in 
condition  to  a  certain  extent. 

Treatment. — This  disease,  though  apparently  not  very  serious, 
is  some  times  very  hard  to  cure  on  account  of  the  location  of  the 
trouble.    Give  the  following  prescription  as  a  drench  at  one  dose: 

Barbadoes  aloes 4  drams. 

Tincture  ginger 1  ounce. 

Raw  linseed  oil 1  pint. 

Mix. 

Follow  the  above  up  with  Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders 
(see  Appendix)  according  to  direction.  Keep  the  horse  as  quiet 
as  possible  for  a  few  days.  There  is  no  medicine  that  will  heal 
it  quicker  than  Dr.  LeGear's  Healing  Lotion  applied  twice  per 
day. 


Db.  LeGear's  Stock  B^ok. 


107 


SALLENDERS. 

Sallenders  is  the  same  as  Mallenders,  only  that  it  is  situated  on 
the  hind  legs  about  the  hocks.  Its  causes,  symptoms,  and  treat- 
ment are  the  same  as  Mallenders.  Sallenders  occurs  probably 
with  greater  frequency  than  Mallenders. 


Fig.  15.    The  Mange  Insect. 

MANGE— ITCH. 


Mange  is  an  eruptive  disease  of  the  skin,  characterized  by 

more  or  less  irritation  of  the  same.    It  is  due'  to  the  presence  of 

a  parasite  belonging  to  the  family  called  Sarcoptes — two  Greek 

words  meaning  "flesh"  and  "to  conceal."    It  is  also  called  scab, 

8 


108  De.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

or  scabies,  itcli,  etc.  It  is  transmissible  from  animal  to  animal, 
and  from  one  species  to  another.  The  parasites  burrow  down 
into  the  flesh,  and  are  found  in  the  horse,  man,  sheep^  pigs, 
and  cattle,  and  are  also  common  to  many  other  smaller  animals. 
Besides  the  sarcoptes,  there  is  another  kind  called  "dermato- 
dectes,"  signifying  "the  skin,"  and  "to  prick."  The  dermato- 
dectes  do  not  burrow  beneath  the  skin,  but  simply  hold  on  to 
and  prick  the  skin.  They  are  common  to  the  ox,  horse,  and 
sheep.  Another  variety  is  known  as  "symbiotes."  They  neither 
burrow  nor  prick  the  skin,  but  cause  considerable  irritation,  and 
are  common  to  the  horse  and  ox.  Certain  conditions  appear 
favorable  to  the  attack  of  the  sarcoptic  kind.  A  horse  poorly 
cared  for,  badly  groomed,  and  in  an  unthrifty  state  generally,  is 
in  a  favorable  condition  for  the  reception  of  the  disease.  ■  The 
attack  of  the  sarcoptes  is  at  first  slow,  but  having  once  fairly 
secure  a  start,  they  spread  with  great  rapidity,  irritating  the 
skin  and  sometimes  destroying  the  animal.     (Fig.  15.) 

The  dermatodectes  are  far  less  troublesome  than  the  sarcoptes. 
The  symbiotes  are  often  found  affecting  the  legs  of  horses,  set- 
ting up  considerable  irritation  or  itching,  and  causing  the  animal 
to  rub  and  scratch  the  parts.  The  parasites  mentioned  are  those 
causing  mange,  although  of  the  three  families  named,  the  sar- 
coptes is  probably  the  one  oftenest  met  with  in  mange,  and  most 
certainly  is  the  one  causing  the  worst  form  of  the  disease;  either 
variety  may  be  conveyed  from  one  animal  to  another  by  means 
of  the  harness,  saddle,  clothing,  etc.  The  dermatodectes  can  in 
some  cases  be  easily  detected  by  the  naked  eye,  and  either  variety 
can  of  course  be  readily  discovered  by  the  glass,  an  ordinary 
magnifying  glass  in  most  cases  being  quite  sufficient.  During 
1  imes  of  war  mange  is  usually  quite  common.  As  a  general  thing 
the  disease  is  not  so  very  common  on  the  American  continent. 

Mange  in  every  instance  is  caused  by  coming  into  contact  with 
affected  animals,  or  infected  clothing,  harness,  etc.  At  the  same 
time  it  should  be  remembered  that  dirty,  badly  groomed  and 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  109 

neglected  animals  are  more  prone  to  receive  the  parasites  than 
well  kept  and  properly  cared  for  animals. 

Symptoms. — The  coat  presents  an  unthrifty  appearance,  and 
on  account  of  the  irritation  set  up  by  the  parasites  in  the  skin, 
the  animal  rubs  and  scratches  himself.  Soon  the  hair  falls  out, 
leaving  bare  patches  of  skin  on  the  neck,  about  the  edge  of  the 
mane,  and  on  the  quarters  near  the  root  of  the  tail.  The  hair 
continues  to  fall  out  until  the  animal  is  almost  devoid  of  hair. 
A  sort  of  staw-colored  fluid  now  may  be  seen  coming  out  on  the 
surface  of  the  skin.  After  sometime  the  general  health  of  the  ani- 
mal may  be  interfered  with;  he  becomes,  weak,  feverish,  and  in 
some  cases  death  takes  place.  Mange  is  accompanied  by  a  far 
greater  amount  of  irritation  than  eczema,  which  is  a  point  well 
worth  remembering. 

Treatment. — In  the  treatment  of  mange  the  great  object  in 
view  is  to  kill  the  parasites  in  the  skin  by  using  some  good  germi- 
cide, and  to  also  destroy  the  parasites  on  the  harness,  saddle,  sad- 
dle-blanket, stalls,  etc.  If  the  hair  is  anyways  long,  clip  it  all  off 
closely  and  wash  the  body  all  over  thoroughly  with  castile  soap 
and  water.  Wash  every  third  day,  and  apply  either  of  the  fol- 
lowing lotions  every  morning  to  all  affected  parts: 

Creolin 1  ounce. 

Methylated  spirits 1  ounce. 

Distille'd  water 1  pint. 

Mix. 


Or- 


Trikresol 6  drams. 

Distilled  water 1  pint. 

Mix. 


110  De.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Solutions  of  carbolic  acid  or  corrosive  sublimate  are  beneficial 
in  many  cases,  but  must  be  used  carefully.  Sulphur  and  tar 
preparations  are  good  in  some  cases,  but  are  objectionable  on 
account  of  their  gummy  nature.  The  harness  and  saddle  must 
be  thoroughly  washed  with  soap  and  carbolic  acid  water. 
Blankets,  pads,  etc.,  may  be  boiled  for  one  or  two  hours  in  water. 
The  stalls,  sheds,  posts,  etc.,  can  be  cleansed  by  painting  them 
with  boiling  hot  whitewash,  to  which  may  be  added  two  ounces 
of  carbolic  acid  to  every  gallon.  If  the  animal  is  run  down  In 
flesh,  give  him  two  tablespoonsful  of  Fowler's  Solution  of  Ar- 
senic every  morning,  or  one  teaspoonful  of  Dr.  LeGear's  Condi- 
tion Powders  (see  Appendix)  night  and  morning  in  damp  feed 
for  two  weeks. 

LOUSINESS— LICE. 

In  this  article  two  kinds  of  lice  will  be  spoken  of:  first,  the 
ordinary  horse  lice,  invited  by  a  filthy  condition  of  the  animal, 
improper  grooming,  debility,  etc.;  secondly,  poultry  lice,  which 
are  so  common  among  horses  kept  standing  near  hen  houses. 
Hen  lice  are  smaller  than  the  regular  horse  lice. 

Symptoms. — Very  easily  detected.  The  animal  manifests  con- 
siderable irritation  by  scratching  himself,  a  rough  coat,  an  un- 
thrifty appearance.  The  itching  seems  to  be  more  severe  about 
the  root  of  the  tail,  mane,  etc.  On  making  a  close  examination, 
the  lice  may  be  detected  swarming  over  the  body  of  the  animal. 
Chicken  lice  are  common  among  horses  kept  near  hen  houses, 
and  cause  the  animal  a  great  deal  of  annoyance,  causing  the  mane 
and  tail  to  fall  out. 

Treatment. — It  is  well  to  clip  the  hair  closely  from  the  horse 
and  apply  freely  to  the  body  the  following: 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  Ill 

Stavesacre  seed  1  ounce. 

Veratrum  album  (white  hellebore) 1  ounce. 

Water 1  gallon. 

Mix,  and  boil  until  the  residue  measures  two  quarts. 

A  strong  solution  of  tobacco  water  is  very  good.  A  good  but 
very  old  remedy  for  killing  lice  on  cattle  is  one  part  of  kerosene 
and  four  parts  of  lard,  mixed  well,  and  rubbed  along  the  back- 
bone, about  the  horns  and  ears,  on  the  shoulders,  etc.  The  har- 
ness, saddle  blankets,  stalls.,  etc.,  should  have  the  same  treatment 
as  recommended  for  mange. 

EINGWORM. 

Ringworm  is  a  skin  affection  also  caused  by  a  parasite,  belong- 
ing to  a  class  called  cryptogama,  being  of  vegetable  origin.  It  is 
called  ringworm  on  account  of  the  manner  in  which  it  attacks 
the  skin.  All  animals  are  attacked,  and  horses  in  good  condition 
appear  to  be  just  as  liable  to  take  the  disease  as  those  in  poor 
condition.  The  vitality  of  the  parasite  is  very  great,  and  in  some 
cases  it  has  been  known  to  live  upwards  of  six  months.  Ring- 
worm is  communicable  from  one  animal  to  another,  and  from 
animals  to  man. 

Symptoms. — Circular,  scruffy  patches  appear  on  various  parts 
of  the  body,  usually  about  the  head,  neck,  and  loins,  the  hairs 
of  the  affected  spot  being  erect,  bristly,  broken,  or  split  up,  and 
dropping  out.  The  affection,  unless  checked,  may  spread  over  the 
whole  surface  of  the  body.  There  is  a  slight  discharge  of  fluid 
from  the  affected  parts.  In  the  horse,  the  affection  is  usually 
circumscribed  in  character,  that  is  attacking  and  remaining  con- 
fined to  one  part  only.  It  yields  to  treatment  very  easily  in  the 
horse. 


112  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — ^Wash  the  affected  parts  well  with  castile  soap  and 
water  and  apply  the  following  ointment  every  morning: 

Iodide  of  potassium 1  dram. 

Iodine 1  dram. 

Vaseline 1  ounce. 

Mix. 

Carbolic  acid  lotions  are  always  good  and  safe,  except  in  the 
dog.    The  following  lotion  may  be  beneficial: 

Nitrate  of  silver 20  grains. 

Distilled  water ,    1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  apply  every  morning  with  a  swab  or  brush. 

The  harness  and  blankets  should  be  washed  with  a  sloution  of 
carbolic  acid  1  part  to  40  of  water. 

WAETS. 

Warts  may  be  defined  to  be  unnatural  growths,  consisting  of 
peculiar  thickening  or  hardening  of  the  true  skin.  They  may  ap- 
pear upon  any  part  of  the  body,  but  are  of  more  frequent  occur- 
rence about  the  lips,  eyelids,  cheeks,  ears,  beneath  the  belly,  and 
on  the  sheath,  etc.  They  occur  in  every  variety  of  shape,  are  very 
common  amongst  horses  and  cattle,  in  which  animals  they  often 
occur  in  great  numbers,  and  vary  in  size  from  a  pea  to  that  of  a 
man's  head.  Sometimes  the  skin  of  an  animal  may  be  completely 
covered  with  them,  while  in  others  one  or  two  of  very  large  size 
may  be  present. 

Causes. — It  is  no  easy  matter  just  to  state  what  may  cause 
warts  to  appear  on  animals;  however,  a  very  trivial  irritation,  as 
a  chafe  from  the  harness,  etc.,  may  stimulate  the  skin  to  such  an 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  113 

extent  as  to  produce  them.  A  highly  stimulating  diet,  produc- 
ing a  disordered  state  of  the  skin,  may  also  cause  warts,  and  there 
are  probably  other  causes  we  know  ngt  of  yet. 

Treatment. — Where  warts  are  due  to  high  feeding,  a  run  at 
grass  is  very  beneficial.  If  a  wart  has  a  constricted  neck  it  may 
be  removed  with  the  knife  or  the  ecrasure,  the  latter  instrument 
being  useful  to  prevent  bleeding.  Small  warts  niay  be  clipped 
off  with  a  pair  of  scissors  and  the  roots  touched  with  caustic  or 
the  hot  iron.  Large  flat  warts  can  be  removed  by  rubbing  on 
them  once  a  day  for  a  week  dry  arsenious  acid.  After  you  have 
applied  the  arsenic  for  five  or  six  days,  the  wart  cracks  open  and 
you  can  generally  remove  it  with  the  fingers. 


Fig.  16. 

OLD  SOEES  ON  JACKS. 


These  are  very  troublesome  at  times,  as  they  are  found  so  hard 
to  heal.  They  are  generally  seen  about  the  feet  and  legs  and  are 
caused  in  different  ways.     They  may  be  due  to  bad  blood,  or 


114  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

come  from  an  injury,  as  by  the  jack  lying  on  the  sore  parts  all 
the  time. 

Treatment. — There  is  no  medicine  that  will  heal  up  sores  of 
this  kind  like  our  Healing  Lotion.  Wash  the  sores  once  or  twice 
a  day  with  eastile  soap  and  water,  and  apply  the  Healing  Lotion 
after  each  washing.  If  you  think  the  jack's  blood  is  bad,  this 
can  be  relieved  by  giving  our  Condition  Powders.  All  jack  own- 
ers will  be  more  than  pleased  with  this  Healing  Lotion  when  once 
tried. 

OEDEMA— STOCKING— SWELLED  LEGS. 

This  is  quite  frequently  seen  in  the  horse.  It  is  caused  by  bad 
blood,  debility,  derangement  of  the  kidneys,  fast  work  upon  hard 
roads,  etc.  It  is  often  seen  in  connection  with  certain  debilitat- 
ing diseases,  as  distemper,  influenza,  indigestion,  pnemonia,  etc. 

Symptoms. — It  is  oftenest  seen  in  the  hind  legs  at  the  ankles. 
The  swelling  may  extend  up  above  the  hocks,  but  generally  re- 
mains down  about  the  ankles.  After  an  animal  has  been  driven 
one,  two,  or  five  miles  the  swelling  may  all  disappear,  but  by  let- 
ting the  animal  remain  in  the  stable  all  night  they  will  be  swollen 
as  bad  as  ever  by  morning.  Stocking  is  more  often  due  to  bad 
blood  and  weak  circulation.  The  blood  is  thin  and  watery,  and 
a  certain  amount  becomes  lodged  in  the  legs.  In  these  cases  the 
swelling  will  pit  on  pressure  and  is  not  fevered  or  sore.  When 
due  to  any  injury  or  from  hard  driving  there  is  more  or  less  fever 
and  soreness,  and  it  is  quite  firm  and  hard. 

Treatment. — If  caused  by  debility,  bad  blood,  etc.,  give  as  a 
drench  one  pint  raw  linseed  oil,  and  give  full  doses  of  our  Con- 
dition Powders  night  and  morning  in  damp  feed  for  two  or  three 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  115 

weeks.     Hand-rub  and  bandage  the  legs  on  coming  in  from  a 
drive.    The  legs  may  be  bathed  with  the  following: 

Sulphate  of  zinc .' 6  drams. 

Sugar  of  lead 1  ounce. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  apply  well  to  the  swelling  two  or  three  times 
per  day. 

Give  soft,  easily  digested  food  to  eat.  A  run  at  grass 
is  very  beneficial.  It  is  undoubtedly  the  very  best  treat- 
ment if  the  grass  is  good.  The  animal  needs  regular  ex- 
ercise, good  care,  and  good  food.  The  weak  circulation  and 
watery  condition  of  the  blood  can  be  entirely  rectified  by  giving 
our  Condition  Powders.  If  due  to  hard  driving,  bandage  the 
legs  nicely  with  wet  bandages  every  time  on  coming  in  from  a 
drive.    Let  bandages  remain  on  one  or  two  hours. 

LYMPHANGITIS— WEED— MONDAY  MOENING 
DISEASE. 

It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  lymphatic  glands  and  vessels. 
The  disease  is  also  known  as  "weed,"  "water  farcy,"  "Monday 
morning  disease,"  "shot  of  grease,"  etc.  It  is  usually  confined 
to  the  hind  limbs,  and  seldom  affects  more  than  one  leg  at  a 
time.  The  heaviest  breeds  of  horses  are  more  liable  to  an  attack 
of  lymphangitis  than  the  lighter  breeds. 

Causes. — A  common  cause  is,  after  an  animal  has  been  used  to 
hard  work,  allowing  him  to  stand  in  the  stable  for  a  few  days, 
and  giving  at  the  same  time  as  much  food  as  he  had  when  work- 
ing; consequently  the  lymphatic  glands  and  vessels  become  over- 
worked and  clogged,  inflammation  follows,  and  lymphangitis  be- 


116  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

comes  established.     Other  causes  are:  direct  injuries,  as  punc- 
tured wounds  and  kicks,  cracked  heels,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  usually  begins  with  a  chill,  rise  in 
temperature,  laboured  breathing,  and  in  a  very  short  time  fol- 
lowed by  lameness  in  one  leg  and  swelling  on  the  inside  of  the 
thigh.  The  swelhng  gradually  surrounds  the  whole  limb,  con- 
tinues on  downward  until  it  reaches  the  foot,  often  causing  the 
animal  to  hold  the  limb  up  from  the  ground.  The  leg  is  very 
tender  to  the  touch,  and  the  animal  has  great  difficulty  in  mov- 
ing it  about.  The  limb  is  also  found  to  be  hot,  the  countenance 
bears  a  very  anxious  expression,  and  the  animal  usually  stands. 
Constipation  is  usually  present  and  the  urine  decreased  in  quan- 
tity and  heightened  in  color.  Lymphangitis  is  liable  to  termi- 
nate in  "big  leg"  if  not  properly  treated. 

Treatment. — If  the  proper  treatment  is  adopted  at  the  begin- 
ning of  the  disease  and  properly  carried  out,  it  can  be  easily  and 
successfully  treated.  The  first  thing  to  be  done  is  to  give  a  good 
purgative,  as  the  following: 

Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes 10  drams. 

Powdered  ginger 2  drams. 

Powdered  nux  vomica  1  dram. 

Nitrate  of  potash 3  drams. 

Water  1  pint. 

Mix,  and  shake  well  together,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

Give  15  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  in  one-half  pint  of  cold 
water  every  four  hours  as  a  drench  until  the  fever  is  checked. 
Feed  sparingly  on  light  food,  as  bran,  grass,  fodder,  etc.  Don't 
give  any  grain  for  a  few  days.  Give  2  drams  of  nitrate  of  potassium 
in  feed  or  drinking  water  morning  and  night  for  a  week.  Begin 
bathing  the  affected  leg  at  once  with  right  warai  water.    Wrap  a 


Dk.  LeGear^s  Stock  Book.  117 

woolen  cloth  around  the  leg  and  keep  it  wet  with  warm  water 
for  two  hours  at  a  time,  two  or  three  times  a  day.  Each  time 
after  bathing  with  warm  water  wipe  dry  and  bathe  the  whole 
affected  leg  with  our  Liniment  well  rubbed  in. 


118  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  IX. 
THE  NEEVOUS  SYSTEM. 

The  nervous  system  is  composed  of  the  brain,  spinal  cord,  and 
nerves.  The  brain  is  situated  in  the  upper  part  of  the  skull,  the 
spinal  cord  in  the  back-bone,  and  the  nerves  branch  off,  like  the 
limbs  of  a  tree,  from  the  brain  and  spinal  cord  and  extend  to 
€very  part  of  the  body.  The  brain  generates  the  electricity,  as 
it  were,  and  the  nerves  convey  the  messages  to  and  from  the 
l)rain.  When  a  nerve  is  cut,  or  divided,  or  if  by  any  means  the 
nervous  force  is  shut  off  from  any  part  of  the  body,  local  para- 
lysis will  take  place.  Without  nervous  force  there  is  no  motion, 
nutrition,  vitality,  or  life.  If  the  spinal  cord  in  the  region  of  the 
back  or  loins  is  severed  or  injured  there  is  immediate  paralysis  of 
the  whole  hind  parts;  while  if  the  injury  takes  place  in  the  neck, 
AS  by  broken  neck,  death  will  soon  follow.  By  piercing  the 
spinal  cord  a  few  inches  behind  the  ears  with  any  sharp  instru- 
ment, as  a  pin  or  small  knife  blade,  death  will  immediately  fol- 
low. Below  will  be  found  a  brief  description  of  the  more  im- 
portant diseases  and  injuries  of  the  nervous  system. 

SUNSTROKE. 

Sunstroke  occurs  during  the  hot  months  of  summer.  It  is  a 
greater  or  less  congestion  of  the  brain,  causing  either  partial  or 
complete  loss  of  motion,  and  often  of  sensation. 

Causes. — Causes  which  lay  an  animal  liable  to  suffer  from  an 
-attack  are  high  feeding,  irregular  exercise,  an  insufficient  supply 
of  good  water,  badly  ventilated  stables,  debility,  etc.  The  direct 
<;au8e  is  exposure  to  the  sun  during  very  hot  weather,  and  more 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  119 

especially  if  the  animal  is  doing  heavy  work,  or  is  put  to  severe 
exertion  of  any  kind.  An  animal  in  perfect  health  may  suffer 
from  an  attack  of  sunstroke,  but  is  not  so  liable  to,  as  an  animal 
debilitated  from  any  cause  whatever. 

Symptoms. — Generally  before  the  trouble  becomes  well 
marked,  there  is  an  unusual  dullness  on  the  part  of  the  animal, 
and  as  a  rule  he  does  not  sweat  as  he  should  when  put  to  exer- 
tion. The  immediate  attack  is  manifested  suddenly.  The  ani- 
mal stops,  drops  his  head,  begins  to  stagger,  and  soon  falls  to 
the  ground  unconscious.  The  pulse  is  very  slow  and  irregular, 
cold  sweats  break  out  on  different  parts  of  the  body,  the  breath- 
ing is  laboured  and  snoring,  and  the  animal  often  dies  without 
recovering  consciousness. 

Treatment. — The  treatment,  to  be  successful,  must  be  prompt 
and  energetic.  If  the  animal  is  out  in  the  sun,  put  a  shade  over 
him  and  give  a  good  stimulant,  as: 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 1  ounce. 

Whisky 6  ounces. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  in  one  hour  if 
necessary. 

Apply  cold  to  the  head  in  the  form  of  pounded  ice  or  cold 
water  in  cloths,  and  blanket  the  body  and  hand-rub  and  bandage 
the  legs.  If  the  animal  can't  swallow,  stimulants  as  given  above 
may  be  injected  into  the  rectum  where  absorption  will  take  place 
to  a  certain  extent.  Prop  up  the  horse  so  .he  will  rest  on  his 
breast  bone.  If  he  begins  to  improve,  give  him  one  dram  of  nax 
vomica  in  damp  feed  for  several  days,  night  and  morning.  The 
animal  must  be  used  very  carefully  the  remainder  of  the  sum- 
mer after  an  attack  of  sunstroke. 


120  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


HEATSTROKE. 

Heatstroke  also  occurs  during  the  hot  months  of  summer.  It 
is  quite  similar  to  sunstroke,  only  that  it  is  not  produced  by  the 
direct  rays  of  the  sun. 

Causes. — Exhaustion  produced  by  long  continued  heat  is  often 
the  cause,  and  may  properly  be  called  heat  exhaustion.  Race 
horses  on  the  track  undergoing  continued  and  severe  work  in 
hot  weather  often  succumb  to  this  trouble. 

Symptoms. — For  sometime  previous  to  an  attack,  the  animal 
usually  requires  urging,  usually  ceases  to  sweat  and  then  becomes 
weak  in  his  gait,  the  breathing  hurried  and  panting,  eyes  watery 
and  bloodshot,  nostrils  dilated,  the  pulse  is  rapid  and  weak,  the 
heart  bounding,  followed  by  unconsciousness  and  usually  death. 
If  death  should  not  take  place,  recovery  usually  extends  over  a 
long  period  of  time,  during  which  paralysis  of  the  muscular  sys- 
tem may  persist. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  this  affection  is  about  the  same 
as  that  of  sunstroke,  with  the  exception  that  instead  of  applying 
cold  to  the  head,  heat  in  the  form  of  cloths  wrung  out  of  hot 
w^ater  is  found  to  be  of  benefit.  In  both  troubles,  after  recovery 
begins  a  good  tonic  is  needed,  as  our  Condition  Powders,  given 
in  the  usual  size  doses  for  several  days.  Use  the  animal  with  care 
and  feed  carefully  for  sometime  after  an  attack. 

HEAD  STAGGERS. 

Causes. — As  a  rule  it  is  due  to  some  lesion  of  the  brain,  caused 
by  temporary  congestion,  cerebral  tumors,  tight-reigning,  stom- 
ach derangements,  etc.  A  lack  of  blood  to  the  brain  may  also 
cause  it. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  121 

Symptoms. — While  being  driven,  the  animal  suddenly  stops, 
elevates  his  head,  staggers  about  from  one  side  of  the  road  to  the 
other,  becomes  unmanageable,  and  falls  to  the  ground.  After 
lying  down  awhile,  he  gets  up,  stares  about  in  a  vacant  manner, 
.shakes  himself,  and  apparently  is  all  right.  It  is  liable  to  come 
on  a  horse  that  is  subject  to  it  at  any  time. 

Treatment. — Give  a  good  physic,  and  apply  cold  water  to  the 
head.  Also  give  4  drams  of  bromide  of  potash  to  quiet  the 
nervous  system.  Some  animals  have  but  one  attack,  while  others 
are  subject  to  it. 

STRINGHALT. 

Stringhalt  is  a  violent  spasmodic  jerking,  or  an  irregular  move- 
ment of  one  or  both  hind  limbs,  while  the  animal  is  in  motion. 
Yery  rarely  it  may  be  found  to  affect  one  of  the  fore  limbs. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  some  lesion  or  derangement  of  the 
nervous  system.  What  this  derangement  may  be  is  no  easy  mat- 
ter to  determine.  It  is  no  doubt  due  to  irregular  distribution  of 
nervous  influence  to  the  niuscles  that  bend  and  extend  the  limb 
affected.  This  may  be  brought  about  by  pressure  on  some  part 
of  the  nervous  system,  as  from  tumors,  blood  clots,  etc. 

Symptoms. — It  is  manifested  by  a  sudden  jerking  up  of  one 
or  both  hind  legs  when  the  animal  is  in  motion.  This  symptom 
may  be  very  slight  in  some  horses,  but  has  a  tendency  to  get 
worse  with  the  age  of  the  animal.  In  some  the  jerking  up  of  the 
leg  is  very  violent,  the  foot  in  some  cases  even  striking  the  belly, 
and  when  it  is  lowered  to  the  ground  the  motion  is  equally  sud- 
den and  forcible.  It  is  a  difficult  disease  to  understand,  and  the 
affection  constitutes  an  unsoundness.  Most  cases  develop  gradu- 
ally, but  a  case  may  develop  in  a  very  short  time. 


122  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — This  is  an  incurable  disease,  therefore  we  can't 
recommend  any  treatment.  There  is  an  operation  sometimes 
performed  that  occasionally  gives  relief,  but  we  can't  recom- 
mend it,  therefore  we  will  not  describe  it. 

PARALYSIS— PALSY. 

Paralysis  is  the  loss  of  the  power  of  motion,  either  with  or 
without  the  loss  of  sensation.  It  usually  comes  on  suddenly, 
hence  has  been  described  as  a  "stroke,"  but  occasionally  it  comes 
on  slowly.  Paralytic  affections  are  of  two  kinds:  the  "perfect" 
and  the  "imperfect."  The  former  includes  those  in  which  both 
motion  and  sensation  are  lost,  causing  death  very  quickly;  the 
latter  those  in  which  only  one  or  the  other  is  lost  or  diminished. 
It  may  again  be  described  as  "general"  and  "partial."  The  lat- 
ter being  divided  into  "hemiplegia,"  paralysis  of  one  side  of  the 
body,  and  "paraplegia,"  paralysis  of  the  hind  quarters  of  the 
body.  The  latter  form  is  the  kind  usually  seen  in  animals.  When 
only  a  small  portion  of  the  body  is  affected,  as  the  face,  a  limb, 
the  t^il,  etc.,  it  is  known  as  local  paralysis. 

Causes. — The  causes  are  many.  Most  of  the  affections  of  the 
brain  and  spinal  cord  may  lead  to  paralysis,  such  as  injuries, 
tumors,  disease  of  the  blood  vessels  of  the  brain,  etc.  Pressure 
upon,  or  cutting  in  two  of,  a  nerve  causes  paralysis  of  the  parts 
to  which  the  nerve  is  distributed. 

Symptoms. — In  general  paralysis  the  power  of  motion  and  sen- 
sation is  lost  and  death  soon  follows.  Hemiplegia  is  paralysis  of 
one  lateral  half  of  the  body.  In  severe  cases  the  animal  will  go 
down  and  be  unable  to  rise,  death  taking  place  in  a  short  time; 
or  he  may  Live  for  several  days  and  then  die  or  he  may  recover. 
In  mild  cases  he  will  not  go  down,  but  will  drag  the  front  and 
hind  foot  on  the  side  paralyzed.    In  paraplegia  the  hind  parts 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  123 

only  are  affected.  In  severe  cases  the  animal  can  not  rise  at  all, 
while  in  mild  cases  he  may  rise  but  will  drag  his  hind  feet  more 
or  less  in  walking.  There  may  be  local  paralysis  of  the  face,  of 
the  lips,  of  the  tail,  and  other  parts  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — If  treatment  is  thought  advisable,  give  a  good 
physic,  such  as  reccommended  for  inflammation  of  the  brain.  If 
the  animal  is  much  excited  give  him  4  drams  of  bromide  of  po- 
tassium every  four  hours  in  the  drinking  water,  or  as  a  drench. 
If  the  animal  is  inclined  to  improve,  give  him  1  dram  of  powder- 
ed nux  vomica  night  and  morning  in  damp  feed.  Give  bran, 
grass,  fodder,  hay,  boiled  oats,  etc.,  to  eat  and  plenty  of  cool 
water.  In  paraplegia  rub  our  Liniment  (see  Appendix)  well 
on  his  hips  and  loins  three  times  a  day,  also  apply  blankets 
wrung  out  of  hot  water.  In  local  paralysis  rub  the  affected  parts 
well  two  or  three  times  a  day  with  our  Liniment.  In  cases  that 
recover  it  may  takes  months  to  do  so. 

CONCUSSION  OF  THE  BRAIN. 

Concussion  of  the  brain  may  take  place  in  any  animal,  and 
occurs  in  a  variety  of  ways. 

Causes. — It  is  usually  caused,  in  the  horse,  by  the  animal  run- 
ning away  and  striking  his  head  against  some  hard  object  in  a 
violent  manner,  rearing  up  and  falling  backwards,  passing 
through  a  low  doorway,  blows,  etc.  Sometimes  the  bones  of  the 
gkull  are  fractured  and  death  soon  follows. 

Symptoms. — If  the  animal  has  run  away  and  fallen,  he  will  be 

insensible  to  pain  and  unable  to  rise  and  walk.    The  pupil  of  the 

eye  will  be  enlarged,  the  temperature  of  the  body  is  considerably 

lower  than  in  health,  the  breathing  is  snoring,  etc.    In  an  hour 

9 


124  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

or  so  the  patient  may  show  signs  of  returning  consciousness,  and 
usually  makes  an  effort  to  rise  exactly  like  a  cow,  hind  legs  first. 
If  the  pulse  is  strong,  pretty  good  hopes  of  recovery  may  be  ex- 
pected in  a  few  hours  or  even  a  few  minutes. 

Treatment. — Apply  cold  applications  to  the  head,  as  ice  or 
cold  water,  blanket  and  hand-rub  the  body,  and  bandage  the 
legs.  Give  stimulants,  as  1  ounce  sweet  nitre,  2  ounces  alcohol, 
and  water  one-half  pint.  Mild  cases  generally  recover  in  a  short 
time,  while  in  severe  cases  there  may  be  fracture  of  the  skull 
and  death  in  a  short  time.  Keep  the  patient  as  comfortable  i-s 
possible  and  sometimes  recoveries  take  place  where  all  loooked 
hopeless. 

ENCEPHALITIS— INFLx^MMATION  OF  THE  BRAIK 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  whole  of  the  brain.  It  is  also 
known  as  "phrenitis." 

Causes. — x\mong  the  causes  to  be  mentioned  are  exposure  to 
extreme  heat  or  cold,  long  continued  brain  excitement,  direct 
injury  to  the  brain,  such  as  concussion,  or  fracture  of  the  bones 
of  the  skull,  from  blows,  etc.  The  character  of  the  food,  such  as 
over-ripe  grasses,  decomposing  roots,  certain  poisonous  weeds  or 
plants,  etc.,  will  produce  it;  in  fact,  mouldy  or  bad  food  of  any 
kind.  Tumors  or  abscesses  forming  in  the  brain  also  operate  as 
causes  of  encephalitis. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  vary  in  different  cases.  In  most 
cases  the  animal  assumes  a  dull,  listless  attitude,  but  is  easily  ex- 
cited by  a  little  noise,  after  which  he  soon  relapses  into  his 
former  dull,  sleepy  mood.  When  standing  quietly  in  a  box  stall, 
he  usually  rests  his  head  against  the  wall  or  the  manger.  In 
other  cases  the  breathing  becomes  stertorous  (snoring),  the  pulse 


Dr.  LeGeae's  Stock  Book.  125 

becomes  quickened,  the  eyes  bloodshot,  and  the  poor  animal, 
in  a  state  of  frenzy  (crazy),  will  knock  himself  about  in  the  most 
violent  manner.  Sometimes  the  animal  will  lie  on  his  side  and 
keep  pawing  for  hours.  At  other  times  he  will  try  to  place  his 
fore  leg  over  his  head,  or  may  stand  until  his  nose  comes  in  con- 
tact with  the  ground.  Again  he  will  raise  his  head,  rear  up, 
and  make  frantic  efforts  to  climb  up  the  wall  or  manger.  In 
other  cases  he  will  continue  to  walk  in  a  circle  for  hours  at  a 
time,  and  it  is  next  to  impossible  to  make  him  go  in  any  other 
direction;  in  fact,  it  seems  impossible  for  the  animal  to  walk  in 
a  straight  line.  The  frenzy  is  well  marked,  and  when  present 
he  bites  and  tears  at  any  object  in  his  reach. 

Pigs  fed  on  refuse  from  kitchen,  and  cows  fed  on  slops,  also 
suffer  from  encephalitis.  Over-ripe  grasses,  or  too  rich  food, 
will  also  cause  it  in  cattle. 

Treatment. — In  a  great  may  cases  of  this  disease  the  animal 
is  so  wild  or  "crazy-like"  that  it  is  almost  impossible  to  give  any 
medicine,  and  unless  you  can  get  the  bowels  moving  freely  with 
a  good  physic  there  is  not  much  hopes  for  the  animal  ever  re- 
covering.   Try  and  give  the  following: 

Powdered  Barbadoes  aloes 1  ounce. 

Powdered  ginger 2  drams. 

Calomel 2  drams. 

Bromide  of  potash 6  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  shake  well,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

The  above  ingredients,  except  the  water,  may  be  made  into  a 
bolus  with  vaseHne  and  put  down  over  the  root  of  the  tongue. 
Keep  the  animal  in  as  quiet  a  place  as  possible  and  where  he 
can't  injure  himself.  Keep  a  bucket  of  cool  water  before  him  all 
the  time,  into  which  put  6  drams  of  bromide  of  potash  to  quiet 


126  Dr.  LeGeab's  Stock  Book. 

nervous  excitability.  A  bag  of  ice  or  cold  cloths  applied  to  the 
head  is  soothing  to  the  brain.  If  the  animal  should  happen  to 
get  better,  give  him  1  dram  of  powdered  nux  vomica  in  damp 
feed  for  two  weeks,  morning  and  night. 

HYSTERIA. 

Hysteria  is  a  disease  of  the  nervous  system,  characterized  by 
a  highly  nervous  and  excitable  condition.  It  is  usually  observed 
in  mares  and  bitches. 

Causes. — The  cause  is  supposed  to  be  a  change  of  some  kind 
taking  place  in  connection  with  the  generative  system. 

Symptoms. — Excitement  is  a  well  marked  symptom.  One 
peculiar  symptom  is  continual  neighing,  with  a  sort  of  hiccough, 
in  some  cases,  caused  by  spasm.  In  some  cases  there  is  a  whitish 
or  reddish  discharge  from  the  vulva.  Hysteria  usually  occurs 
about  the  time  of  the  animal  coming  into, heat,  but  has  been 
noticed  in  pregnant  mares.  These  symptoms  usually  last  for  one 
or  two  days,  and  disappear  without  anything  having  been  done. 
The  appetite,  in  some  cases,  is  interfered  with;  the  animal  often 
urinates,  etc. 

Treatment. — Give  the  following: 

Calomel   2  drams. 

Bromide  of  potassium 4  drams. 

Raw  linseed  oil 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

Give  4  drams  of  bromide  of  potassium  morning,  noon,  and 
night  until  relieved.     Keep  the  animal  quiet,  and  give  a  light, 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  127 

laxative  diet.   One  ounce  of  laudanum  or  one-half  ounce  of  fluid 
extract  of  belladonna  may  be  given  to  quiet  the  animal. 

EPILEPSY— FALLING  FITS. 

Epilepsy  is  occasionally  observed  in  the  horse,  but  is  more 
frequently  seen  among  dogs,  when  it  is  generally  called  fits.  The 
attacks  may  be  quite  frequent,  or  may  occur  only  once  or  twice 
a  year. 

Causes. — Softening  of  the  brain  may  cause  it.  In  dogs,  the 
cause  is  some  irritation  or  derangement  of  the  bowels,  as  worms, 
etc. 

Symptoms. — The  attack  is  indicated  by  a  well-marked  con- 
vulsive fit.  The  animal  suddenly  staggers,  falls  to  the  ground, 
froths  at  the  mouth,  etc.,  the  attack  lasting  for  three  or  four 
minutes,  after  which  he  gets  up,  walks  about  in  a  dull  manner, 
and  in  a  short  time  is  apparently  all  right. 

Treatment. — About  the  same  treatment  as  that  indicated  for 
Hysteria. 

APOPLEXY. 

Apoplexy  is  not  a  very  common  trouble  in  the  horse,  but  quite 
often  seen  among  pigs.  It  is  more  commonly  seen  in  fat  animals 
not  getting  much  exercise. 

Causes. — It  is  due  to  an  arrest  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood 
in  the  brain,  caused  by  a  rupture  of  some  of  the  blood  vessels,  or 
the  formation  of  a  small  blood-clot,  etc. 


128  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Symptoms. — It  is  suddenly  developed  with  loss  of  sensation 
and  motion,  profound  stupor,  difficult  breathing,  etc.  Some- 
times partial  paralysis  is  present. 

Treatment. — Give  a  good  physic  and  follow  it  up  with  bromide 
of  potash  in  4-dram  doses.  Apply  cold  water  to  the  head,  and 
keep  the  patient  in  a  comfortable,  quiet  place. 

BLIND  STAGGERS. 

Blind  staggers  of  horses  is  a  disease  occurring  with  greater 
frequency  in  the  Southern  States  of  our  country  than  in  the 
North.  It  usually  attacks  but  few  horses  at  a  time,  but  in  cer- 
tain years  prevails  to  such  an  extent  as  to  attack  numbers  of  ani- 
mals at  the  same  time  and  place. 

Causes. — Blind  staggers  is  not  contagious,  as  some  suppose, 
but  is  a  disease  intimately  connected  with  the  character  of  the 
food.  No  doubt  the  most  common  cause  of  this  disease  is  corn 
that  is  damaged  in  some  way;  such  as  mouldy,  rusty,  or  smutty 
corn;  or  corn  that  is  worm-eaten,  rotten,  or  blasted,  etc.  Dam- 
aged grain  or  fodder  of  any  kind,  such  as  the  result  of  very  wet 
seasons,  is  quite  sure  to  produce  "Staggers."  Some  have  noticed 
it  in  horses  that  have  not  had  any  grain.  The  mould,  or  fungus, 
which  produces  the  disease  is  very  common  during  wet  seasons. 
It  is  not  believed  that  any  one  species  of  fungus  growth  is  en- 
tirely responsible  for  the  disease,  as  several  species  of  moulds, 
rusts,  and  smuts  possess  such  poisonous  properties.  The  green 
pencil  mould  is  the  fungus  which  is  much  the  most  abundant 
in  our  cornfields  and  cribs,  and  is  no  doubt  the  chief  cause  of 
Staggers  resulting  from  feeding  unsound  corn.  In  those  cases 
of  the  disease  in  horses  not  fed  on  grain,  the  same  or  other  fun- 
gus growths  may  be  found  in  the  hay,  pasture  grasses,  ensilage, 
etc. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  129 

Symptoms. — About  the  first  thing  noticed  by  the  owner  is 
weakness  in  the  hind  quarters,  and  a  staggering  gait  when  walk- 
ing. Colic}^  pains  may  precede  this  symptom.  Walking  in  a 
circle,  reeling,  drowsiness  or  stupor,  blindness,  leaning  or  push- 
ing the  head  against  some  object,  and  occasionally  more  or  less 
frenzy,  are  all  symptoms  which  may  be  seen  in  this  disease. 

Other  cases  are  entirely  different,  the  horse  showing  no  "brain 
symptoms"  until  a  short  time  before  death.  Paralysis  usually 
begins  in  the  hind  quarters  and  extends  forward.  In  some  cases 
the  animal  can  not  swallow,  and  the  bowels  are  usually  consti- 
pated. Few  cases  recover  and  death  usually  takes  place  in  from 
one  to  three  days.  But  in  some  cases  a  slow  and  imperfect  re- 
covery takes  place. 

Prevention  and  Treatment. — As  the  cause  of  the  disease  is  in 
feeding  musty  or  mouldy  corn,  oats,  hay,  etc.,  the  prevention 
must  be  to  do  away  with  all  inferior  or  damaged  feed.  Moulded 
or  smutty  ears  of  com  should  never  be  fed  to  horses.  As  there  is 
little  that  can  be  done  after  a  horse  takes  blind  staggers,  it  is  all 
important  to  try  and  prevent  it  by  being  careful  with  the  feed. 
In  mild  cases  a  good  purgative  may  be  given,  such  as  is  pre- 
scribed for  constipation.  Also  give  1  dram  of  iodide  of  potas- 
sium, and  1  dram  of  powdered  nux  vomica  night  and  morning. 
In  bad  cases  there  isn't  much  that  can  be  done. 

CEREBRO-SPINAL  MENINGETIS. 

This  disease  is  quite  similar  to  blind  staggers  and  is  considered 
by  some  to  be  one  and  the  same  disease.  It  is  an  inflammation  of 
the  spinal  cord,  brain  and  coverings. 

Causes. — It  is  said  to  be  caused  by  the  influence  of  the  air,  bad 
ventilation,  etc.  Among  the  exciting  causes  are  food  and  water 
containing  vegetable  and  animal  matter  in  a  decayed  or  putrid 


130  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

state,  which  have  a  poisonous  etrect  on  the  system  and  produces 
the  disease.  Other  causes  which  might  be  mentioned  are:  de- 
composing roots,  brewers'  grains,  oats,  hay,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  this  disease  vary  considerably, 
according  to  the  part  or  parts  most  affected.  It  is  so  similar  to 
"Staggers,"  spoken  of  before,  that  it  requires  an  expert  to  dis- 
tinguish the  one  from  the  other.  There  may  be  loss  of  power, 
spasm,  and  twitching  of  the  muscles,  either  of  the  hind  quaj*ters 
or  those  of  the  head  and  neck.  In  very  severe  cases,  the  animal 
reels  about,  falls,  and  is  unable  to  rise;  the  bowels  are  constipated 
and  urine  scanty,  etc.  In  some  cases  well-marked  brain  trouble 
is  present,  the  animal  is  dull  and  drowsy,  and  becomes  quiet; 
this  may  soon  be  followed  by  convulsions  and  death. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  this  disease  is  not  satisfactory, 
most  of  the  cases  dying.  Where  there  is  complete  loss  of  power, 
they  always  die.  The  preventative  treatment  consists  in  chang- 
ing the  food  and  water.  If  thought  advisable  to  treat  this  dis- 
ease, you  may  use  about  the  same  treatment  as  that  given  for 
Blind  Staggers. 

If  the  animal  has  any  difficulty  in  swallowing,  one-fourth- 
grain  doses  of  sulphate  of  atropine  may  be  injected  under  the 
skin  every  four,  six,  or  eight  hours,  as  the  case  may  demand. 
The  application  of  blisters  to  the  spine,  neck,  throat,  etc.,  may 
be  found  very  beneficial.  After  giving  a  physic,  and  the  animal 
is  very  excitable,  1  to  2  drams  of  the  solid  extract  of  belladonna 
may  be  alternated  every  four  hours  with  4  drams  of  bromide  of 
potash.  In  cases  of  unconsciousness  allow  the  animal  to  inhale 
ammonia  water  from  a  sponge.  Allow  all  the  cool  water  the 
animal  will  drink,  and,  if  necessary,  support  them*  in  slings. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  131 


SPINITIS— SPINAL  MENINGITIS. 

This  is  inflammation  of  the  substance  of  the  spinal  cord,  and 
if  the  coverings  of  the  cord  are  also  affected  it  is  known  as  spinal 
meningitis. 

Causes. — Anything  affecting  the  brain  may  also  affect  the 
cord.  It  may  be  induced  by  irritant  properties  of  blood  poisons, 
exhaustion,  spinal  concussion,  exposure,  all  forms  of  injury  to 
the  spine,  tumors,  rheumatism,  etc. 

Symptoms. — In  the  worst  form  of  the  disease  the  animal  shows 
very  great  nervous  irritation,  sweating  very  freely,  which  would 
almost  lead  one  to  suspect  that  it  was  bowel  trouble.  He  may 
fall  to  the  ground,  unable  to  rise  without  assistance.  When  upon 
his  feet,  he  looks  at  his  side — again  suggesting  a  bowel  trouble. 
When  lying  down  he  struggles  violently  to  get  up,  and  when  up 
he  makes  the  most  frantic  efforts  to  retain  the  standing  position, 
but  can  not.  Sometimes  a  bone  is  broken  in  the  attempt  to  re- 
main standing.  The  animal  may  die  in  twenty-four  or  forty- 
eight  hours  from  the  first  appearance  of  the  attack.  In  the 
milder  forms  these  symptoms  are  not  so  prominent. 

Treatment. — This  is  a  disease  that  is  not  very  successfully 
treated  only  in  mild  cases.  When  due  to  an  injury  and  the  back 
is  broken,  have  the  animal  killed.  A  purgative  may  be  given 
where  there  is  any  hope  of  recovery,  and  1  dram  of  nitrate  of 
potassium  and  4  drams  of  bromide  of  potassium  may  be  given 
three  times  a  day.  After  the  acute  symptoms  have  passed,  give 
1  dram  of  nux  vomica  morning  and  night  for  several  days.  Hot 
cloths  should  be  applied  to  the  spine  and  our  Liniment  well 
rubbed  in  three  times  a  day  over  the  whole  length  of  the  spinal 


132  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

cord.    Good  care  is  very  necessary.    Not  many  cases  of  this  dis- 
ease will  set  well. 


O' 


LOCKJAW— TETANUS. 

This  disease  is  commonly  known  as  lockjaw,  but  Tetanus  is  a 
better  name,  as  in  many  cases  the  jaws  are  not  set.  It  is  a  very 
fatal  disease  of  the  horse,  as  very  few  severe  cases  ever  recover. 

Causes. — It  was  until  recently  supposed  to  be  caused  by  some 
injury  or  lesion  of  the  nervous  system,  but  now  it  is  known  to  be 
caused  by  a  specific  microbe  (bacillus  of  Nicholaier),  which  must 
gain  access  to  the  animal's  body  before  the  disease  can  be  pro- 
duced. This  microbe,  or  bacillus,  is  found  in  many  soils,  barn- 
yard manure,  filth,  dirt,  on  rusty  nails,  partly-masticated  food, 
etc.  When  this  microbe  once  gets  into  the  system  it  produces  a 
toxine  (poison),  which  acts  like  strychnine  on  the  spinal  cord, 
producing  the  tonic  muscular  spasms  which  are  always  seen  in 
lockjaw.  The  disease  is  more  often  seen  following  a  nail  in  the 
foot  or  any  sore  or  wound  in  the  foot,  through  which  the  mi- 
crobe gains  access  to  the  system.  It  may  follow  any  wound  or 
operation  in  any  part  of  the  body,  or  may  come  on  without  any 
wound  or  sore  being  present. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  may  set  in  twenty-four  hours  after 
the  microbes  get  into  the  animaFs  body,  or  it  may  be  from  eight 
to  fourteen  days.  After  once  seen,  the  disease  is  generally  easily 
detected.  At  first  there  is  more  or  less  stiffness,  slight  elevation 
of  the  tail  and  poking  out  of  the  nose.  When  you  excite  the  ani- 
mal, these  tonic  muscular  spasms  are  plainly  seen,  as  well  as  the 
haw  flashing  over  the  eye.  The  jaws  may  or  may  not  be  set,  but 
as  a  general  thing  they  are  set.  The  haw  flashing  over  the  eye, 
due  to  nervous  spasms,  is  a  never  failing  symptom  of  tetanus. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  133 

We  liave  seen  cases  where  the  owner  said  his  horse  had  the  hooks, 
hut  it  was  a  mild  case  of  the  tetanus. 

If  hy  going  in  front  of  an  animal  and  frightening  him  or  rais- 
ing his  head  quickly  the  haw  flashes  over  the  eye  and  the  animal 
gets  somewhat  excited,  it  is  an  unmistakable  sign  that  he  has  or 
is  getting  the  lockjaw.  When  the  jaws  are  firmly  set  the  animal 
can  not  eat  at  all — only  suck  a  little  water  or  liquid  food  between 
his  teeth.  They  are  generally  great  sufferers,  as  a  look  at  their 
expression  and  action  shows  signs  of  severe  agony. 

Treatment. — xA.lmost  every  medicine  in  the  pharmacopoeia  has 
befen  tried  in  the  treatment  of  tetanus  (lockjaw),  and  the  only 
one  we  can  recommend  as  of  any  use  is  hyposulphite  of  soda,  it 
must  be  remembered  that  perfect  quietude  in  a  darkened  stall 
is  very  necessary.  Have  it  perfectly  quiet  about  the  stall,  as  the 
least  noise  will  excite  the  animal  and  aggravate  the  disease. 
Have  no  one  go  about  the  stall  but  one  man  who  is  caring  for 
the  horse.  Put  4  drams  of  hyposulphite  of  soda  in  a  bucket  of 
drinking  water  three  times  a  day  and  have  the  bucket  of  water 
before  the  horse  all  the  time  so  he  can  drink  when  he  wants  to. 
As  the  jaws  are  genearlly  locked,  the  only  nourishment  the  ani- 
mal can  take  is  water  and  sloppy  food.  Keep  such  sloppy  food 
as  bran,  boiled  oats,  linseed  tea;  etc.,  before  him,  very  wet  and 
sloppy,  all  the  time.  If  the  animal  is  very  excitable,  give  him 
dissolved  in  the  drinking  water  2  drams  of  bromide  of  potassium 
with  the  hyposulphite  of  soda  three  times  per  day.  Don't  try 
to  drench  the  horse,  as  that  excites  him  too  much.  Keep  up  the 
hyposulphite  of  soda  until  the  animal  is  well.  Of  course  we  don't 
claim  this  remedy  will  cure  every  case  nor  a  majority  of  cases, 
but  we  do  claim  it  will  cure  where  all  other  i;emedies  fail.  It  is 
inexpensive  and  easily  given.  It  will  after  a  few  days  regulate 
the  bowels  and  kidneys,  so  don't  feel  uneasy  if  they  are  not  mov- 
ing at  first.  The  legs  may  swell  and  the  hair  come  out  all  over 
the  body,  but  don't  feel  uneasy  about  that,  as  that  will  all  come 


134  De.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

right  if  the  animal  lives.  It  may  take  two  or  four  weeks  to  cure 
an  animal  with  lockjaw,  but  don't  despair,  as  there  is  hope  as 
long  as  there  is  life.  If  the  disease  is  due  to  an  injury  or  nail  in 
the  foot,  it  should  be  cleaned  out  and  washed  clean  and  dressed 
daily  with 

Iodine 1  part. 

Iodide  of  potassium 2  parts. 

Distilled  water 100  parts. 

Mix,  and  apply  to  the  sore  once  or  twdce  a  day. 

If  at  the  very  beginning  of  an  attack,  and  before  there  is  mucli 
excitement,  the  following  treatment  has  proved  quite  successful 
in  many  cases:  A  good  physic  containing  2  drams  of  the  solid 
extract  of  belladonna  may  be  given  in  the  form  of  a  ball  or  as  a 
drench;  or  dissolve  the  physic  in  a  small  quantity  of  oil  and 
throw  it  back  on  the  back  part  of  the  animal's  tongue  with  a 
syringe.  In  no  case  force  medicine  down  the  horse's  throat  if 
there  is  difficulty  in  swallowing.  In  such  cases  give  the  follow- 
ing every  four,  six,  or  eight  hours,  according  to  the  excitement 
of  the  animal: 

Sulphate  of  atropine J  grain. 

Sulphate  of  morphine 5  grains. 

Distilled  water 1  dram. 

Mix,  and  inject  under  the  skin. 

Also,  injections  per  rectum  of  the  following  may  be  given 
every  four  or  six  hours: 

Fluid  extract  of  belladonna 1  dram. 

Indian  hemp 1  dram. 

Milk  or  gruel  1  quart. 

Mix. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  135 

Sprinkle  the  stall  or  room  the  horse  is  in  once  a  day  with  car- 
bolic acid  1  ounce,  water  1  gallon.  There  is  a  preparation  called 
Tetanus  Antitoxin,  that  is  of  rather  recent  discovery,  that  i& 
proving  to  be  a  very  valuable  agent  in  the  treatment  of  this 
disease  in  the  hands  of  the  veterinary  profession.  It  is  a  serum 
preparation  and  is  injected  under  the  skin  to  destroy  the  toxin 
(poison)  caused  by  the  germs  of  the  disease.  This  antitoxin  is 
but  little  used  as  yet  in  the  South,  and  is  rather  expensive  to  use 
on  the  common  class  of  horses  in  Texas. 


136  Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  X. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  EYE. 

We  can  scarcely  overestimate  the  value  of  sound  eyes  in  the 
horse,  and  hence  all  diseases  and  injuries  of  the  eye,  if  they  prove 
permanent,  will  greatly  depreciate  the  usefulness  and  value  of 
the  horse.  A  blind  horse  is  always  dangerous  in  the  saddle  or  in 
single  harness.  Again,  a  horse  with  partial  sight  or  impaired 
vision  that  sees  things  imperfectly,  or  imagines  he  sees  things 
that  are  not  present,  is  still  more  dangerous  than  a  totally  blind 
horse. 

SIMPLE,  OE  EXTERNAL  OPTHALMIA. 

This  is  a  disease  nearly  always  caused  by  an  injury  and  is  an 
inflammation  of  the  lining  membrane  (conjunctiva)  of  the  eye, 
and  if  neglected  will  in  many  instances  cause  great  trouble. 

Causes. — It  may  be  caused  by  blows  with  whips,  clubs,  or  twigs, 
the  presence  of  foreign  bodies  like  hay-seeds,  grassburrs,  chaff, 
dust,  lime,  sand,  etc.  Foul  air  from  badly  kept  stables  or  keep- 
ing a  horse  in  a  dark,  damp  stable  and  sudden  exposure  to  the 
bright  sunlight  may  cause  the  trouble. 

Symptoms. — The  eye  is  partially  or  completely  closed,  water- 
ing of  the  eye,  swollen  lids,  redness  of  the  mucus  membrane, 
etc.  After  a  short  time  the  whole  cornea  may  turn  a  bluish  or 
whitish  color,  and  a  thick,  yellow  deposit  may  take  place  in  the 
lower  part  of  the  eye.  If  due  to  a  direct  injury  to  the  cornea  a 
white  spot  can  be  plainly  seen  on  the  cornea.     This  bluish  or 


Dr.  LeG ear's  Stock  Book.  137 

whitish  film  or  scum  that  forms  is  not  on  the  outside  of  the  eye, 
but  is  between  the  layers  of  the  cornea. 

Treatment. — In  treating  simple  ophthalmia  it  is  very  essential 
to  find  the  cause  and  remove  it  if  possible.  If  any  foreign  body, 
like  a  grassburr,  hayseed,  splinter,  chaff,  etc.,  is  in  the  eye,  re- 
move it.  To  examine  a  horse^s  eye  apply  a  twitch  to  the  nose 
and  gently  part  the  eyelids  with  the  thumb  and  forefinger  press- 
ed on  the  middle  of  the  respective  lids,  or  use  Eye  Speculum 


Fig  17.    Eye  Speculum,  used  to  open  the  eye  for  examining  and  operating 
on  the  eye. 


(Fig.  17).  After  removing  any  foreign  substance,  if  there  is 
much  fever  bathe  the  eye  freely  with  warm  water  in  winter,  and 
cold  water  in  summer,  and  apply  as  directed  some  of  our  Eye 
Water  (see  Appendix)  morning  and  evening.  If  taken  in  time, 
this  treatment  will  remove  all  inflammation  and  all  white  spots 
and  whitish  films  from  the  cornea. 


138  Dr.  LeGeae's  Stock  Book. 


THE  HAW— MEMBRANE  NICTITANS. 

The  haw  is  an  appendage  of  the  eye  placed  there  by  nature 
for  the  express  purpose  of  removing  any  foreign  substance,  as 
dust,  cinders,  sand,  or  anything  that  may  get  on  the  eyeball  and 
cause  pain.  The  haw,  sometimes  called  "washer  of  the  eye,"  is 
supplied  by  nature  to  the  eyes  of  all  animals  and  birds,  except 
man  and  the  monkey  tribe,  which  use  their  hands  or  paws  for 
that  purpose.  In  the  normal  restful  state  of  the  eye  only  the 
thin  anterior  edge  of  the  haw  can  be  seen  at  the  inner  angle  of 
the  eye,  but  when  by  some  cause  the  eyeball  is  pushed  back  into 
its  socket  or  drawn  back  by  muscular  contraction  it  can  be 
plainly  seen  projecting  over  and  partially  or  completely  cover- 
ing the  eyeball.  When  foreign  bodies,  such  as  sand,  dust,  chaff, 
etc.,  get  into  the  eye  it  is  projected  to  push  them  out,  their  ex- 
pulsion being  favored  by  a  free  flow  of  tears.  In  lockjaw,  the 
haw  is  plainly  seen  projecting  over  the  eye  by  the  muscular  con- 
traction in  each  spasm,  and  it  is  also  seen  in  a  lesser  extent  in  .'ill 
painful  inflammations  of  the  eye.  The  projection  of  the  haw, 
no  matter  from  what  cause,  is  universally  known,  by  people  not 
familiar  with  the  anatomy  and  diseases  of  the  horse,  as  the 
"hooks." 

HOOKS. 

Hooks,  like  bots,  and  hollow  horn,  is  not  recognized  by  the 
Veterinary  Profession  as  a  disease.  It  is  no  disease,  but  is  sim- 
ply a  symptom  of  some  disease.  What  is  universally  known 
as  hooks  by  most  of  the  horsemen  in  this  country  is  the  projec- 
tion of  the  haw  (read  the  article  on  the  haw)  partially  or  com- 
pletely over  the  eyeball  as  the  result  of  some  disease.  It  is  a 
symptom  of  lockjaw,  inflammation,  or  a  foreign  substannce  in  the 
eye.    If  due  to  a  foreign  substance,  such  as  sand,  chaff,  cinders, 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  139 

dust,  etc.,  remove  it  and  bathe  with  hot  water.  If  due  to  inflam- 
mation, bathe  with  hot  water  and  apply  morning:  and  night  some 
of  Dr.  Le  Gear's  Eye  Water  (see  Appendix),  which  will  cure  it 
in  a  few  days.  The  cruel  practice  of  cutting  out  the  "hooks,'' 
as  a  supposed  cure  by  some  men,  is  brutal  in  the  least,  and  should 
not  be  tolerated.  What  they  cut  out  is  the  haw,  or  part  of  it, 
and  when  removed  the  eye's  greatest  protection  is  gone,  therefore 
the  value  of  the  horse  is  depreciated  to  a  considerable  extent. 
Only  in  very  rare  and  extreme  cases  is  it  ever  necessary  to  re- 
move the  haw  or  a  portion  of  it,  and  that  is  when  it  is  greatly 
ulcerated  or  diseased  by  a  tumor.  If  removed  at  all,  it  should  be 
done  by  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon.  We  would  advise  all 
horse  owners  to  use  no  other  treatment  than  warm  water  and  Dr. 
LeGear's  Eye  Water,  as  that  will  cure  nine  out  of  every  ten 
cases  of  the  would-be  disease  "hooks." 

PERIODIC  OPHTHALMIA. 

This  disease  causes  more  blind  horses  in  Texas  than  any  other 
disease,  and  is  characterized  by  the  suddenness  of  the  attack  and 
the  reappearing  of  the  disease  in  a  few  weeks,  a  few  months,  or 
perhaps  not  before  several  years.  By  some  it  is  called  "moon- 
blidness,"  or  "moon  eyes,"  as  the  changes  of  the  moon  was  form- 
erly tliought  to  be  the  cause  of  the  recurring  attacks. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  this  disease  are  sometimes  pretty  hard 
to  account  for.  There  exists  within  the  system,  a  predisposition 
to  the  disease;  in  other  words,  the  disease  must  exist  within  the 
system  in  a  latent  form,  which  must  take  some  exciting  cause  to 
bring  it  out,  as  overheating  by  driving  or  working,  extremes  of 
heat  and  cold,  improperly  ventilated  and  badly  lighted  stables, 
poor  food,  debilitating  diseases,  etc.  This  is  one  of  the  heredi- 
tary diseases,  as  a  sire  or  dam  affected  with  the  disease  nearly 
10 


140  Dr.  LeGear's"  Stock  Book. 

always  transmits  it  to  their  offspring.  We  would  strongly  urge 
all  breeders  of  fine  horses  never  to  use  a  mare  or  stallion  for 
breeding  purposes  that  has  weak  eyes  or  blindness.  Lexington, 
one  of  the  greatest  race  horses  and  sires  America  ever  produced, 
Avent  blind  from  over  work,  and  a  large  number  of  his  colts  be- 
came blind  from  Periodic  Ophthalmia.  A  horse  may  have  sev- 
eral attacks  of  the  disease  and  still  the  eye  not  be  much  changed, 
while  again  two  or  three  severe  attacks  may  cause  total  blind- 
ness. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  is  very  sudden  in  its  attacks.  Your 
horse  may  be  all  right  at  night,  but  in  the  morning  he  may  have 
one  or  both  eyes  swollen,  and  sore  and  discharging  great  quanti- 
ties of  tears.  As  a  rule,  one  eye  is  generally  affected  at  a  time, 
and  it  may  have  half  a  dozen  attacks  or  more  and  go  blind;  then 
the  other  eye  is  liable  to  become  affected  in  the  same  way.  After 
each  attack  the  eyeball  becomes  smaller  and  the  eyelid  more 
shrunken,  and  the  cornea  gradually  becomes  of  a  bluish  white 
color.  The  attacks  vary  greatly  in  severity  in  different  cases, 
but  all  cases  finally  terminate  in  cataract  and  blindness. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  the  disease  is  not  satisfactory, 
as  there  is  no  known  remedy  that  is  a  sure  cure  for  the  disease, 
and  the  animal  is  very  liable,  sooner  or  later,  to  go  blind.  The 
object  of  treatment,  therefore,  is  to  lessen  the  severity  of  the 
attacks,  and  try  to  ward  off  the  occurrence  of  the  same.  The 
treatment  consists  of  local  applications  to  the  eye  and  medicine 
given  internally  for  the  blood  and  nerves.  Give  as  a  drench  1 
pint  of  raw  linseed  oil,  and  follow  up  with  one-half  dram  of 
powdered  colchicum  every  morning  and  1  dram  of  iodide  of  potas- 
sium every  night  in  damp  feed.  Give  the  colchicum  and  iodide 
of  potassium  for  four  or  five  days,  and  then  give  regular  for  ten 
days  one  teaspoonful  morning  and  night  of  Dr.  LeGear's  Condi- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  141 

lion  Powders.  (See  Appendix.)  In  the  beginning  of  an  attack 
bathe  the  eye  with  warm  water  and  apply  a  few  drops  with  a  soft 
feather  of  Dr.  LeGear's  Eye  Water  (see  Appendix)  night  and 
morning.  Put  the  animal  in  a  dark  stall,  or  bind  a  piece  of 
soft  cloth  over  the  eye  to  keep  out  the  bright  light.  If  this  treat- 
ment is  carried  out  at  each  attack,  a  horse  can,  in  most  of  cases, 
be  kept  from  going  blind  for  a  long  time. 

CATARACT. 

As  there  is  no  successful  treatment  for  Cataract,  it  will  be  of 
no  benefit  to  the  reader  of  this  book  for  us  to  give  a  long  descrip- 
tion of  the  disease,  so  we  will  make  it  very  brief.  Occasionally 
it  is  caused  by  a  direct  injury  to  the  eye,  but  is  invariably  the  re- 
sult of  Periodic  Ophthalmia.  Cataract  is  an  opacity  of  the  crys- 
talline lens,  or  its  capsule,  and  can  be  recognized  by  a  white  spot 
in  the  pupil,  which  spot  may  be  large  or  small. 

Treatment  is  useless,  as  it  is  incurable  in  the  horse. 

WHITE  SPOTS  AND  BLUISH  WHITE  SCUM  ON  THE 
COENEA. 

The  white  spots  on  the  eyes  of  so  many  horses  are  generally 
due  to  a  lick  in  the  eye  with  a  whip  or  the  Uke,  and  the  white 
scum  that  covers  the  eye  is  generally  the  result  of  Simple  Oph- 
thalmia. If  these  spots  and  scums  are  not  too  thick  and  of  too 
long  standing  they  can  be  removed  by  using  Dr.  LeGear's  Eye 
Water  twice  per  day  for  one  or  two  weeks. 

After  giving  the  Eye  Water  a  fair  trial  and  it  fails  to  remove 
them,  try  the  following  lotion: 


142  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Nitrate  of  silver 8  grains. 

Sulphate  of  morphine   5  grains. 

Distilled  water 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  apply  a  few  drops  into  the  eye  with  a  camel's 
hair  brush  or  a  feather,  morning  and  night. 

ULCERS  OF  THE  CORNEA. 

Ulceration  of  the  cornea  is  generally  due  to  direct  injuries, 
and  may  be  cured  by  applying  Dr.  LeGear's  Eye  Water  morning 
^nd  evening  for  a  few  days. 

In  very  bad  cases  get  a  stick  of  solid  nitrate  of  silver,  scrape 
it  to  a  point,  and  touch  the  growth  on  the  cornea  with  it;  in  a 
few  minutes  wash  the  eye  thoroughly  with  warm  sweet  milk. 
Repeat  every  three  days  if  necessary.  Be  careful  not  to  touch 
any  other  part  with  the  caustic  than  the  growth.  Spread  the 
eyelids  with  the  thumb  and  finger,  or  use  the  eye  speculum 
<Fig.  17.) 

Or  the  following  lotion  may  be  used: 

Sulphate  of  zinc 5  grains. 

Nitrate  of  silver 12  grains. 

Cocaine  hydrochlorate   15  grains. 

Distilled  water 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  apply  a  few  drops  into  the  eye  morning  and 
night. 

TUMORS  OF  THE  EYEBALL. 

This  is  rather  a  rare  affection,  but  is  occasionally  met  with. 
The  tumor  may  be  of  a  cancerous  nature,  or  only  a  simple  fatty 
tumor.  The  only  treatment  is  to  have  it  dissected  out  as  soon 
as  possible,  or  removed  by  the  use  of  caustics. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  143^ 


PALSY  OF  THE  NERVE  OF  SIGHT— AMAUROSIS. 

This  is  a  partial  or  complete  blindness  as  a  result  of  paralysis 
of  the  optic  nerve  (nerve  of  the  eye)  without  there  being  much 
change  in  the  looks  of  the  eye.  The  eye  may  look  clear  and  all 
right  and  the  horse  be  perfectly  blind. 

Causes. — It  may  be  caused  by  tumors  or  other  diseases  of  the 
brain;  blows  on  the  head  that  injure  the  optic  nerve.  Severe 
bleeding  may  cause  this  trouble,  and  it  is  sometimes  seen  in 
mares -heavy  with  foal. 

Symptoms. — The  eyes  are  clear  and  sound  looking,  with  the 
exception  that  the  pupil  is  generally  dilated  and  round,  and  the 
horse  can  see  only  partially  or  not  at  all.  Both  eyes  are  gen- 
erally affected,  except  where  it  is  due  to  an  injury  of  one  eye. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  this  disease  is  not  generally  suc- 
cessful. Unless  taken  when  first  affected,  treatment  is  useless. 
Give  one  dram  of  powdered  nux  vomica  once  a  day  in  damp  feed 
and  apply  a  blister  behind  the  ear. 


144  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  XI. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  HEART. 

The  heart  is  a  hollow,  muscular  organ,  situated  in  the  cavity 
of  the  chest,  and  divided  into  four  compartments,  known  as  the 
auricles  and  the  ventricles.  In  form,  it  resembles  a  blunt  cone, 
iind  has  an  average  weight,  in  the  horse  of  six  and  one-half 
pounds.  The  heart  is  the  centre  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood, 
and  like  a  force  pump,  it  forces  the  blood  to  all  parts  of  the  body 
through  certain  tubes  or  vessels  called  arteries;  the  blood  returns 
to  the  heart  through  another  set  of  vessels  called  veins.  The 
arteries  carry  the  pure  blood,  which  contains  nutritive  principles, 
to  nourish  and  build  up  every  living  tissue;  while  the  veins  in 
turn  carry  the  blood  which  is  impregnated  with  impurities  of 
the  body  back  to  the  heart,  thence  it  goes  to  the  lungs  to  be  puri- 
fied again  by  coming  in  contact  with  the  oxygen  of  the  air. 

The  heart  is  a  vital  organ  and  has  an  important  work  to  per- 
form, but  the  diseases  of  the  same  are  rather  difficult  to  recog- 
nize. Not  many  of  the  diseases  of  the  heart  can  be  influenced 
by  treatment,  so  we  will  confine  ouselves  to  but  a  very  few  of 
the  principal  ones. 

THE  PULSE. 

What  is  the  pulse,  and  where  can  it  be  found?  It  is  the  beat- 
ing of  the  arteries  (tubes  carrying  blood  from  the  heart),  which 
follow  each  contraction  of  the  heart.  The  pulse  tells  you  how 
fast  the  heart  is  beating.  The  artery  usually  selected  in  the 
horse  for  taking  the  pulse,  is  the  one  (submaxillary)  that  winds 
around  the  lower  jawbone.    It  can  be  readily  felt  with  the  fin- 


Dr.  LeGeah's  Stock  Book. 


145 


Fig.  18.    The  manner  of  taking  the  pulse. 


gers  by  gently  pressing  the  artery  against  the  inner  side  of  the 
jaw,  as  seen  in  Figure  18. 

In  the  healthy  horse  the  pulse  will  beat  on  an  average 
about  35  a  minute;  yet  in  some  horses  it  may  only  be  30  or  even 
40  and  the  animal  be  in  perfect  health.  The  breed  and  tem- 
perament of  an  animal  has  a  great  deal  to  do  with  the  number 
of  pulse  beats.  In  a  thoroughbred  the  number  of  beats  is  gen- 
erally greater  than  in  a  coarse-bred  horse.  The  pulse  is  less 
frequent  in  a  dull,  plethoric  animal  than  in  an  excitable  one. 
The  pulse  rate,  then,  should  always  be  taken  when  the  animal  is 
quiet  and  at  rest.  Work,  exercise,  etc.,  increases  the  number  of 
pulsations.  A  horse's  pulse  taken  when  he  is  standing  quietly 
in  the  stable  will  be  found  less  frequent  than  when  he  is  at  pas- 
ture. The  number  of  pulsations  in  a  given  time  differs  consider- 
ably in  different  animals.  In  cattle  the  pulse  varies  in  adults 
from  40  to  50.    But  in  cows  it  varies  considerably  from  a  great 


146  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

many  different  causes.    In  the  dog  tlie  pulse  beats  from  70  to  80 
times  per  minute. 

TEMPERATURP]. 

It  is  important  in  disease  to  know  wliat  the  temperature  of  the 
body  is,  and  also  how  to  take  it.  The  average  temperature  of  a 
healthy  horse  is  about  (nearly)  100  deg.  F.     Still  it  may  range 


Fig.  19.    Clinical  or  Fever  Thermometer. 

from  99  deg.  to  101  deg.  F.  The  temperature  of  the  body  is 
subject  to  changes  by  certain  influences.  The  animal  tempera- 
ture is  increased  by  heat,  while  cold  decreases  it.  Exercise,  work, 
etc.,  also  increases  it.  Drinking  cold  water  lowers  the  animal 
temperature.  It  is  higher  in  young  animals  than  in  old  ones. 
Mares  haxe  a  higher  temperature  than  males.  During  the  pro- 
cess of  digestion  the  temperature  increases. 

The  i^roper  and  most  accurate  method  of  taking  the  tempera- 
ture is  by  means  of  a  registered  clinical  thermometer  (Fig.  19) 
inserted  into  the  rectum.  Before  inserting  it  you  should  see  that 
the  mercury  is  below  the  minimum  (say  90  degrees).  The  eml 
containing  the  mercury  should  be  pushed  in  gently,  leaving  only 
sufficient  of  the  other  end  outside  to  take  hold  of  Avhen  you  de- 
sire to  withdraw  it.  The  thermometer  should  be  left  in  the  rec- 
tum (last  gut)  from  three  to  four  minutes. 

The'  method  of  taking  the  temperature  by  placing  the  finger 
in  the  mouth  requires  considerable  practice  and  delicacy  of  touch 
to  become  expert,  but,  when  a  thermometer  is  not  at  hand,  a  little 
practice  will  enable  most  any  person  of  ordinary  intelligence  to 
detect  the  presence  or  absence  of  fever. 


Br.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  147 

The  temperature,  like  the  pulse,  varies  considerably  in  differ- 
ent animals.  The  average  normal  temperature  of  cattle  in  con- 
finement is  about  101  deg.  F.:  in  cattle  at  liberty,  or  oxen  ut 
work,  it  runs  up  about  102  deg.  F.  In  calves  it  runs  up  a  little 
higher,  while  in  very  old  animals  it  is  lower  than  the  average 
normal  temperature. 

PEKICAKDITIS. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  pericardium  (sack  surrounding 
the  heart),  and  occurs  in  all  animals,  especially  cattle. 

Causes. — Jt  may  be  induced  by  cold  and  damp  stabling,  ex- 
posure and  fatigue,  from  wounds  caused  by  broken  ribs,  etc. 
Pericarditis  is  often  associated  with  rheumatism,  influenza,  pleu- 
risy, and  other  debilitating  diseases. 

Symptoms. — Usually  the  disease  abruptly  manifests  itself  with 
pain  in  moving,  a  short,  painful  cough,  rapid  and  short  breath- 
ing, and  high  temperature,  with  a  rapid  and  hard  pulse.  By 
placing  the  ear  against  the  left  side  of  the  chest  behind  the  elbow 
a  rasping  sound  (known  as  the  to-and-fro  friction)  may  be  heard. 
In  three  or  four  days  this  sound  may  disappear,  due  to  a  disten- 
tion of  the  pericardium  with  a  watery  fluid.  When  dropsy  takes 
place,  death  is  quite  sure  to  follow. 

Treatment. — In  the  acute  form,  mix  equal  parts  of  tincture  of 
digitalis  and  tincture  of  aconite,  and  give  20  to  30  drops  as  a 
drench  every  hour  until  the  temperature  becomes  reduced.  The 
body  should  be  clothed  in  blankets  and  the  legs  well  bandaged. 
If  considerable  pain  is  present  give  2  ounces  of  tincture  of  opiuui 
once  or  twice  a  day  as  a  drench.  Put  nitrate  or  bicarbonate  of 
potassa,  half  an  ounce,  in  drinking  water  every  six  hours:  after 
three  or  four  days,  iodide  of  potassa,  in  2  dram  doses,  should  be 


148  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

substituted.  Besides  this,  a  good  mustard  piaster  may  be 
applied  well  up  the  sides  of  the  chest  with  benefit.  Feed  on 
light  but  highly  nutritious  food,  such  as  will  be  easily  digested. 

CARDITIS. 

This  is  an  inflammation  of  the  heart  itself,  but  is  usually  ac- 
companied by  other  diseases  of  the  heart.  Death  is  usually  the 
result  where  the  whole  or  a  large  part  of  the  heart  substance  is 
inflamed.  If  the  inflammation  is  situated  in  a  small  part,  re- 
covery may  take  place. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  about  the  same  as  laid  down 
for  pericarditis,  which  see. 

There  are  many  other  diseases  of  the  heart,  such  as  endocar- 
ditis, hypertrophy,  dilatation  of,  ruptiire  of,  valvular  disease  of, 
venous  regurgitation,  foreign  bodies  in,  etc.  As  it  is  rather  a 
difficult  matter  to  detect  these  troubles,  and  but  few  of  them 
yield  to  the  best  of  treatment,  we  will  not  give  a  separate  descrip- 
tion of  them.  If  treatment  is  adopted,  treat  about  the  same  as 
for  ])eri carditis. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  149 

CHAPTER  XII. 
BONES. 

The  bones  of  a  vertebrate  animal  form  the  skeleton  (Plate  L),  or 
frame-work  upon  which  the  body  is  built.  There  are  about  216 
separate  bones;  or  including  tlie  teeth,  256  pieces  in  the  skeleton 
of  a  horse.  These  bones  come  together  by  means  of  joints,  and 
are  held  in  place  by  ligaments,  tendons,  and  muscles.  Bones  are 
divided  into  long,  flat,  and  irregular  bones,  for  convenience  of 
description.  Long  bones  are  found  principally  in  the  legs,  and 
are  composed  of  a  very  hard,  compact  tissue,  in  the  centre  of 
which  is  a  hollow,  called  the  bone  cavity,  and  filled  with  a  sub- 
stance called  the  marrow.  In  the  marrow  will  be  found  nerves, 
blood  vessels,  lymphatics,  and  fatty  tissue.  The  bones  in  the 
legs  of  a  thoroughbred  horse  are  smaller  but  stronger  than  those 
of  the  heavy  draft,  coarse-boned  animal. 

Bone  is  composed  of  earthy  matter  and  animal  matter.  To 
the  earthy  matter  it  ow^es  its  hardness,  and  to  the  animal  matter 
its  toughness.  The  relative  proportions  of  earthy  and  animal 
matter  vary  according  to  age.  In  the  young  animal  they  are 
about  equal,  but  as  age  advances  the  earthy  matter  becomes 
more  abundant,  and  in  old  animals  the  bones  become  very  brittle 
and  easily  broken.  In  the  trouble  known  as  rickets,  the  earthy 
salts  are  wanting,  and,  as  the  animal  matter  predominates, 
the  bones  are  soft  and  bend  easily.  Bones  are  surrounded  by  a 
fine,  fibrous  enveloping  membrane  (the  periosteum),  which  is 
closely  adherent  to  the  external  surface  of  the  bone,  and  is,  in 
fact,  the  secreting  membrane  of  the  bony  s,tructure.  Below  will 
be  found  a  brief  description  of  the  various  diseases  and  injuries 
to  which  the  bones  of  the  body  are  liable. 


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FRACTUEES. 

Fractures  are  more  or  less  common  among  the  lower  animals, 
but  probably  occur  with  greater  frequency  amongst  dogs.  They 
rank  among  the  most  serious  troubles  to  which  an  animal  can  be 
subjected.  There  are  several  kinds  of  fractures,  which  are  as 
follows: 

Simple  fracture  is  that  form  in  which  the  bone  is  broken  in  a 
clean  manner,  and  straight  or  nearly  straight  across. 

Compound  fracture  is  where  the  broken  ends  of  the  bone 
separate,  pierce  the  soft  tissues,  injure  the  skin,  etc. 

Comminuted  fracture  is  where  the  bone  is  broken  in  several 
places  or  shattered. 

Compound  comminuted  fracture  is  a  combination  of  the  two 
forms  of  fracture  described  above.  In  this  form  of  fracture  the 
shattered  bone  also  enters  the  so;^t  tissues,  lacerating  them  to  a 
greater  or  less  extent.  Besides  the  above  kinds  of  fracture,  we 
may  have  the  "complicated,"  when  important  blood  vessels, 
nerves,  or  a  joint  are  involved;  an  "oblique  fracture"  is  so  called 
on  account  of  the  break  extending  obliquely  (slantingly)  across 
the  bone.  It  frequently  happens  that  there  is  fracture  without 
displacement,  being  held  in  place  by  the  periosterim  (bone  cover- 
ing) for  days  or  weeks,  until  complete  reunion  takes  place. 

Fractures  may  occur  in  a  great  many  ways,  and  sometimes  in  a 
.very  simple  manner;  slipping  in  some  cases  being  sufficient  to 
break  a  bone.  Muscular  contraction,  during  the  struggles  of  an 
animal  when  thrown  and  tied  for  an  operation,  is  not  an  uncom- 
mon cause  of  fracture;  rearing  up  and  falling  backwards  is  a  com- 
mon cause  of  fracture  of  the  bones  of  the  neck  or  back  part  of 
the  head.  External  injuries,  such  as  blows,  kicks,  etc.,  also  cause 
fractures. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


153 


Symptoms. — As  a  general  thing,  fractures  are  easily  recog- 
nized, but  in  cases  of  much  swelling  it  becomes  a  matter  of  diffi- 
culty to  state  positively  whether  a  fracture  has  taken  place. 
Sometimes  the  fractured  ends  of  the  bone  may  pass  each  other, 
when  it  is  easily  recognized,  as  it  can  be  felt  with  the  fingers,  or 
even  detected  with  the  eye.  On  examining  a  fracture,  the  broken 
ends  of  the  bone  come  into  contact,  and  passing  over  each  other 
give  rise  to  a  grating  sound.  In  some  cases  this  sound  is  very  plain, 
but  in  cases  of  swelling,  or  where  the  bone  is  deeply  situated,  this 
grating  sound  might  not  be  heard. 


Fig.  20.    The  Sling. 


Treatment. — There  is  good  reason  to  believe  that  a  fractured 
bone  in  the  lower  animals  can  be  repaired  in  much  less  time  than 
would  be  occupied  in  the  union  of  a  similar  fracture  occurring  in 
man;  but  treatment  of  fracture  in  the  lower  animals  is  rendered 
a  matter  of  great  difficulty  on  account  of  the  trouble  in  applying 
and  retaining  splints  and  other  appliances;  also  on  account  of 
the  difficulty  in  keeping  the  patient  quiet.  Generally  speaking, 
if  the  animal  be  of  little  value  it  will  be  well  to  have  it  killed  and 


154 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


put  out  of  its  misery.  On  the  otlier  hand,  if  tlie  animal  be  a 
valuable  one  and  the  fracture  not  too  extensive,  it  may  be  well 
to  try  treatment.  The  fractured  ends  of  the  bone  should  be 
brought  as  nearly  together  as  possible  and 
kept  in  place  by  bandages,  splints,  or  other 
appliances,  according  to  the  location  and  ex- 
tent of  the  fracture.  If  the  fracture  be  in  one 
of  the  limbs,  the  animal  should  be  placed  in 
slings  (Fig.  20)  to  keep  him  quiet  and  keep 
the  weight  off  the  injured  limb.  Plaster  of 
paris  bandages  may  be  applied  by  spreading 
the  plaster  of  paris  on  a  domestic  bandage 
about  four  inches  wide  and  as  long  as  neces- 
sar}\  Then  roll  the  bandage  up  and  wet  it, 
and  apply  it  snugly  to  the  leg  above  and  be- 
low and  right  over  the  fracture.  When  the 
bandage  dries  it  will  get  very  hard  and  stiff 
and  make  a  good  support  to  the  broken  bono. 
Fig.  21.  Bandages  wet  in  starch  may  be  used  in  place 

Fracture  Splint.  ^^  ^^^  above,  which  work  well  in  some  cases. 
Splints  may  be  bound  on  with  bandages  of  plaster  of  paris, 
which  in  some  cases  are  a  great  help  in  keeping  the  bones  in 
place.  Cooling  applications  should  be  applied  above  and  beh)w 
the  bandages  if  any  swelling  takes  place,  such  as  cold  water. 
Also  bathe  the  parts  well  with  our  Liniment  (see  Appendix)  two 
or  three  times  per  day.  Keep  a  bucket  of  cool  water  before  the 
animal  all  the  time,  into  which  may  be  dissolved  1  dram  of  salt- 
petre twice  per  day.  Keep  the  bowels  moving  freely  by  giving 
raw  linseed  oil  as  a  drench.  Give  bran  mashes,  chops,  boiled 
oats,  green  grass,  fodder,  etc.,  to  eat.  Give  regularly  in  the  feed 
morning  and  night  one  teaspoonful  of  our  Condition  Powders 
(see  Appendix)  to  purify  the  blood  and  aid  reunion  of  the  broken 
bones.  Broken  legs  in  dogs  can  generally  be  successfully  treated 
by  applying  a  plaster  of  paris  bandage  nicely  to  the  parts  and 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  155 

keeping  the  animal  quiet  for  two  or  three  weeks.  It  generally  takes 
from  one  to  three  months  for  a  fracture  to  unite  in  a  horse,  so 
don't  be  in  too  big  a  hurry  to  put  the  animal  to  work  after  you 
think  a  fracture  is  healed.  A  horse  may  be  kicked  on  the  inside 
of  the  hind  leg  just  above  the  hock,  and  although  the  bone  is 
cracked  or  broken  it  may  not  separate  for  one  or  two  weeks,  and 
then  the  bone  gives  way  and  the  leg  breaks  clear  off.  Why  it 
remains  in  place  so  long  is  because  the  periosteum  (covering  of 
the  bone)  is  so  thick  in  this  location.  If  a  horse  gets  kicked  in 
this  place  he  should  be  kept  perfectly  quiet  for  two  or  three 
weeks  to  give  the  bones  a  chance  to  unite  if  they  are  broken. 
If  any  of  the  bones  of  the  leg  become  broken  clear  off  and  the 
bones  come  through  the  skin,  it  is  advisable  to  kill  the  animal  at 
once,  as  a  recovery  is  hopeless. 

RICKETS— RACHITIS. 

Rickets,  or  rachitis,  occurs  in  young  animals  of  all  kinds,  but 
is  more  common  in  puppies  than  the  young  of  other  animals. 
It  is  due  to  a  lack  of  lime  salts,  or  an  excess  of  animal  matter, 
in  the  bones. 

Causes. — It  has  a  tendency  to  occur  among  the  offspring  of 
stallions  or  dogs  that  have  been  overdone  in  stud  service,  and  is 
more  likely  to  appear  in  weakly  or  unhealthy  animals.  Weaning 
the  animal  at  too  early  a  period,  and  forcing  him  to  eat  food  that 
is  only  fit  for  an  old  animal  to  eat,  or  milk  deficient  in  certain 
elements  received  from  the  mother,  may  also  be  mentioned  as 
causes  of  rickets. 

Symptoms. — The  bones  of  the  limbs  are  seen  to  bend  unnat- 
urally; the  fore-legs  may  bend  outward  and  the  hind  ones  bend 
inward;  and  in  the  horse  there  is  a  tendency  to  curb,  bog-spavin, 
11 


156  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

etc.,  and  the  joints  usually  become  enlarged.  There  is  also 
weakness  and  debility,  and  in  a  well  marked  case  affecting  the 
horse  the  fetlock  may  descend  nearly  to  the  ground  on  the  out- 
side, with  stiffness  and  difficulty  in  progression. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  this  trouble  must  be  both  local 
and  constitutional.  If  the  mother's  milk  is  the  cause  by  not  be- 
ing rich  enough,  increase  her  feed,  and  let  it  be  of  the  very  best 
quality:  wheat  bran,  ground  oats,  good  hay,  fodder,  grass,  etc. 
Give  the  mother  the  following: 

Powdered  sulphate  of  iron 1  ounce. 

Powdered  gentian 2  ounces. 

Quinine 4  drams. 

Anise  seed 2  drams. 

Mix,  and  make  eight  powders,  and  give  one  in  her  feed 
night  and  morning. 

She  will  impart  strength  to  the  colt  from  the  medicine  through 
her  milk.  Support  the  weakened  legs  with  nice  soft  bandages. 
Keep  the  colt  in  a  comfortable  place  and  nature  will  do  a  great 
deal  in  forming  a  cure.  Give  the  puppy  bones  to  gnaw  on;  lime 
water  and  cod  liver  oil  will  be  found  beneficial. 

CAEIES. 

This  is  decay  or  death  of  bone  in  small  particles.  The  bones 
of  the  spine  (backbone)  are  often  affected,  as  in  poll-evil  and  fis- 
tula. The  bones  oftenest  affected  in  the  extremities  are  the 
bones  of  the  hock,  the  pastern,  and  navicular  bones.  A  dried 
specimen  of  decayed  bone  presents  a  dry,  worm-eaten  appearance. 
In  the  hock-joint  caries  is  associated  with  spavin,  and  in  the 
navicular  bone  with  navicular  disease.  Caries  is  sometimes  ac- 
companied by  a  discharge  of  a  very  offensive  odor. 


Dr.  LeGear^s  Stock  Book.  157 

Treatment. — If  it  is  in  connection  with  fistula  or  poll-evil,  cut 
down  upon  the  parts  and  remove  all  diseased  portions  of  bone 
with  a  bone  spoon  or  pair  of  bone  forceps,  and  cleanse  the  ends 
of  the  bones  with  peroxide  of  hydrogen  applied  full  strength 
twice  a  day.  If  the  decay  of  bone  is  in  a  joint,  a  good  stimulating, 
penetrating  blister  should  be  applied,  and  there  is  nothing  equal 
to  our  Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix)  in  these  cases. 

NECROSIS. 

This  simply  means  death  of  bone.  It  is  not  very  common  in 
the  lower  animals,  and  when  it  does  take  place  it  is  generally 
due  to  some  injury.  After  a  bone  dies  it  looks  real  white,  and  it 
seems  to  be  harder  than  natural,  and  finally,  becoming  exposed 
to  the  air,  it  crumbles,  separates,  and  comes  away.  Necrosis  is 
seen  in  connection  with  the  lower  jaw,  caused  by  the  action 
of  the  bit.  When  a  portion  of  bone  dies  it  must  be  got  rid  of  in 
some  way;  if  nature  fails  to  remove  it,  surgical  means  must  be 
employed. 

Symptoms. — x\fter  necrosis  takes  place  a  kind  of  material  is 
thrown  out  which  covers  the  dead  portion  to  a  certain  extent. 
After  a  while  a  discharge  from  the  affected  parts  takes  place 
and  an  abscess  is  formed,  at  which  time  the  dead  bone  is  sep- 
arated from  the  living,  etc.  The  discharge  from  decayed  bone  is 
very  offensive. 

Treatment. — Enlarge  the  opening  with  a  sharp  lance  and  with 
a  pair  of  forceps  or  tweezers  remove  any  dead  portions  of  bone 
that  are  present.  Thoroughly  syringe  out  th'e  cavity  with  clean 
water  and  carbolic  acid,  1  to  40.  Then  wash  out  the  cavity 
every  morning  with  clean  water  and  inject  peroxide  of  hydrogen, 
which  will  cleanse  and  heal  the  bone. 


158 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


SPLINTS. 


A  splint  is  a  bony  enlargement,  usually  situated  on  the  inside 
of  the  leg  between  the  knee  or  the  hock  and  the  fetlock  (ankle) 
joint.  Occasionally  splints  are  seen  on  the  outside  of  a  horse's 
leg.  There  is  what  is  called  the  high  splint  and  the  low  splint, 
the  former  being  the  most  serious.  Splints  are  more  often  seen 
in  young  horses. 

Causes. — Some  colts  are  more  subject  to  splint  than  others, 
owing  to  their  build  and  action  when  traveling.  External  in- 
juries of  various  kinds,  as  kicks,  blows,  cuts,  etc.,  are  quite  com- 
mon causes  of  the  trouble.  The  most  productive  cause  of  splint, 
however,  is  concussion,  due  to  riding  or  driving  on  hard  roads. 
Country  horses  coming  to  the  city  usually  develop  splint  very 
quickly,  and  it  is  very  common  among  city  horses.  Improper 
shoeing  and  allowing  the  feet  to  grow  out  of  shape,  are  con- 
ditions which  are  apt  to  cause  splint,  espe- 
cially if  the  animal  is  driven  on  hard  roads. 

Symptoms.  —  In  most  cases  the  animal 
shows  lameness:  lie  walks  almost  or  quite 
sound,  and  when  trotted  he  drops  on  the 
sound  leg,  especially  if  driven  on  hard 
ground.  The  hand  should*  be  passed  down 
the  sides  of  the  cannon  bone  of  the  leg 
affected,  to  discover,  if  possible,  any  enlarge- 
ment. This  may  be  of  some  difficulty,  as 
the  enlargement  may  not  be  as  large  as  a 
pea.  The  presence  of  heat  in  the  part  may 
be  of  some  use  as  a  guide  to  discover  the 
trouble.  When  found,  press  upon  the  en- 
largement with  the  fingers  and  observe 
(a)  ilfgh.'     &)'"low.     whether    the    animal    shows    or    manifests 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  159 

pain;  tap  upon  it  and  the  animal  will  flinch,  and  on  being 
trotted  out  immediately  afterwards  the  lameness  is  increased. 
An  animal  may  have  very  large  splints  for  years  and  never  be 
lame  from  them. 

Treatment. — Unless  a  horse  is  lame  from  a  splint,  it  is  advis- 
able to  let  it  alone.  After  a  horse  has  had  a  splint  for  several 
months,  it  becomes  solid  bone,  and  there  is  no  medicine  that  will 
take  it  off  without  seriously  injuring  the  leg.  If  the  splint 
is  taken  in  time,  before  it  turns  to  solid  bone,  it  can  be  removed 
by  using  our  Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix)  as  directed.  If  taken 
in  time  a  splint  may  be  rubbed  off  by  thoroughly  rubbing  it  two 
or  three  times  a  day  for  several  weeks.  If  the  animal  is  lame 
nothing  more  is  required  to  cure  him  than  our  Spavin  Cure  well 
rubbed  in  according  to  directions.  If  the  animal  is  much  lame 
he  should  have  two  or  three  weeks  rest  during  treatment  or.  a  run 
at  pasture. 


RING -BONE. 

A  ring-bone  is  a  bony  enlargement  extending  around  the  leg 
just  above  the  foot.  They  are  divided  into  high  and  low  ring- 
bones. A  low  ring-bone  is  one  where  the  bony  enlargement 
conies  down  under  the  hoof  and  affects  the  coffin-joint,  while  a 
high  ring-bone  affects  the  pastern  joint,  and  may  even  affect  the 
ankle  joint.  It  is  a  false  ring-bone  when  the  bony  growth  does 
not  come  on  any  of  the  joints.  Eing-bone  may  come  on  the 
front  or  hind  legs,  but  is  oftener  seen  on  the  hind  legs. 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  of  this  trouble  is  hard  and 
fast  work,  especially  on  rough  ground  or  on  hard  roads.  Im- 
})roper  shoeing,  blows,  kicks,  etc.,  all  are  causes  of  ring-bone. 


160 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


It  is  a  hereditary  disease,  and  will  be  transmitted  to  tlie  colts 
from  the  sire  or  dam  if  they  are  affected. 

Symptoms.  —  Occasionally  a  well  developed  ring-bone  will 
come  on  a  horse  without  making  him  lame,  but  it  generally 
makes  him  lame  from  the  start  and  all  the  time  during  its 
growth.  In  the  early  stages  a  ring-bone  is  sometimes  very  diffi- 
cult to  detect,  but  after  they  are  well  formed  they  are  very  easily 
seen. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  similar  to  that  of  spavin.  Give 
the  am'mal  complete  rest  for  one  or  two  months,  and  repeatedly 
blister  with  our  Spavin  Cure.  If  after  you  have  blistered  thor- 
oughly for  three  or  four  times  and  the  animal  is  still  lame,  the 
only  remedy  is  the  operation  of  firing  (see  Fig.  26),  which  should 
not  be  undertaken  except  by  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon.  Oc- 
casionally after  an  animal  has  been  repeatedly  blistered  or  fired 
he  still  remains  lame;  but  on  putting  him  to  work  the  lameness 
gradually  disappears. 


^^»ii 


Fig.  23,    A  Ring-bone. 


Fig.  24.    Side-bones. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  161 


SIDE -BONES. 


A  side-bone  is  a  bony  tumor  situated  on  one  or  both  sides  of  a 
horse's  foot  just  above  the  hoof.  It  ^s  due  to  ossification  (turn- 
ing to  bone)  of  the  lateral  cartileges.  The  lateral  cartileges  are 
pads  of  cartilege  (gristle)  one  on  each  side  of  the  foot  partially 
inside  the  hoof,  which  are  so  situated  that  in  their  natural  state 
they  form  a  spring  to  the  heel  while  the  horse  is  traveling.  In 
the  healthy  foot  these  cartileges  are  pliable  and  will  spring  on 
being  pressed  with  the  fingers.  But  when,  from  some  cause,  they 
are  turned  to  bone,  they  are  then  called  side-bones  and  are 
enlarged,  hardened,  and  unpliable. 

Causes. — Side-bones  are  caused  by  hard  and  fast  work  upon 
hard  roads.  A  horse  traveling  rapidly  upon  a  hard  road  strikes 
the  road  very  hard  with  his  feet,  which  is  apt  to  bruise  the  foot, 
set  up  inflammation  in  the  lateral  cartileges  which  is  very  likely 
to  turn  them  to  bone.  Side-bones  are  also  caused  by  punctures, 
bruises,  and  injuries,  as  by  one  horse  stepping  on  the  side  of  his 
mate's  foot,  injuring  the  lateral  cartilege  and  resulting  in  side- 
bone. 

Symptoms. — Side-bones  very  seldom  come  in  the  hind  feet, 
but  are  nearly  always  seen  in  the  front  feet.  They  are  more  com- 
mon in  heavy  draft  horses,  but  are  not  nearly  so  serious  as  when 
affecting  light  horses  used  for  driving  or  riding.  In  some  cases 
the  cartilege  turns  to  bone  and  remains  the  natural  size,  while 
in  others  it  becomes  very  much  enlarged,  making  an  ugly  appear- 
ance on  the  side  of  the  foot.  While  traveling,  the  toe  of  the 
foot  is  first  brought  to  the  ground,  and  there  is — in  case  both 
front  feet  are  affected — a  peculiar  stilty  action  and  stiffness  of 
gait. 


162 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


Treatment. — If  there  is  much  fever  and  soreness  in  the  foot, 
remove  it  by  frequent  bathing  and  poulticing.  Give  the  ani- 
mal a  good  long  rest.  After  the  inflammation  has  befen  relieved, 
blister  the  enlargement  well  with  Dr.  LeGear's  Celebrated  Spavin 
Cure.  (See  Appendix.)  In  most  cases  this  will  effect  a  euro. 
There  are  some  cases  that  baifle  all  treatment,  and  the  only  relief 
is  to  perform  the  operation  of  neurotomy.  This  is  an  operation 
which  should  be  undertaken  only  by  a  qualified  veterinary  sur- 
geon. 

SPAVIN. 


There  are  two  kinds  of  spavin  recognized  by  the  veterinary 
profession — bone  spavin  and  bog  spavin.  We  will  first  consider 
bone  spavin,  and  later  on  consider  bog  spavin. 

Bone  spavin  is  a  bony  growth 
afi'ecting  the  hock  (gamble)  joint. 
The  general  location  of  the  en- 
largement is  on  tlie  front  of  thi 
inside  of  the  joint,  but  the  disease 
may  affect  the  whole  joint.  It  is 
called  high  spavin  when  the  en- 
largement comes  on  the  upper 
part  of  the  joint;  and  low  spavin 
Avhen  it  comes  on  the  lower  part 
of  the  joint.  High  spavin  is  by 
far  the  worst  disease  and  much 
harder  to  cure.  Spavin  never 
comes  on  the  front  legs,  and  only 
on  the  hock  joints  of  the  hind 
legs.  A  horse  may  be  spavined  and  not  show  a  himp  at  all  on 
the  joint.  Such  a  spavin  is  called  an  ocult  spavin  (not  visible), 
and  is  a  very  bad  disease,  as  it  affects  the  true  articulations  oC 
of  the  joint. 


Fi^.  26.    Bone  Spavin. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  163 

Causes. — There  are  various  causes  of  spavin,  the  most  common 
of  which  are  hard  and  fast  work,  straining  by  slipping  in  the 
mud,  injuries  to  the  joint,  etc.  In  the  pase  of  an  injury  to  one 
of  the  hind  legs,  causing  the  animal  to  stand  upon  the  sound 
leg,  the  latter  becomes  liable  to  spavin  in  consequence  of  the 
extra  weight  thrown  upon  it.  Spavin  is  one  of  the  hereditary 
diseases,  and  it  is  a  mistake  to  breed  a  mare  or  breed  from  a 
stallion  affected  with  the  disease,  as  the  colt  invariably  will  be 
born  with. weak  joints  and  predisposed  to  spavin,  and  will  in 
most  cases  take  the  disease  after  being  put  to  work. 

Symptoms. — Spavin  is  a  disease  that  nearly  always  comes  on 
very  slowly,  and  when  once  started  it  will  continue  to  grow  worse 
nnless  checked  by  treatment.  The  first  sign  of  spavin  is  slight 
stiffness  or  lameness  in  the  affected  leg,  which  will  disappear  on 
exercise,  but  will  show  again  after  standing  for  a  few  minutes. 
In  some  cases  the  horse  will  be  lame  all  day,  or  in  fact  get  worse 
the  farther  he  goes,  but  in  most  cases  they  will  warm  out  of  the 
lameness  after  being  driven  a  short  distance.  On  causing  the 
animal  to  move  over  in  his  stall,  to  move  about  from  side  to  side, 
etc.,  it  is  noticed  that  he  drops  on  the  affected  limb;  but  on  be- 
ing made  to  walk  or  trot  it  is  noticed  that  he  drops  on  the  sound 
leg.  Sometimes  the  enlargement  is  seen  first,  but  generally  the 
animal  is  lame  one,  two,  or  three  months,  or  even  longer,  before 
the  lump  can  be  plainly  seen.  The  lump  keeps  on  growing  as 
long  as  there  is  fever,  soreness,  and  lameness  present,  and  some- 
times becomes  larger  than  a  man's  fist.  In  long  standing  cases 
the  hip  will  be  perished,  making  it  look  as  though  the  disease 
was  in  the  hip. 

If  you  have  a  horse  lame  in  one  of  his  hind  legs  and  you  can 
notice  nothing  wrong  in  any  other  part  of  the  leg,  it  is  well  to 
look  for  spavin,  as  the  hock  joint  is  more  liable  to  disease  than 
any  otlier  part  of  the  hind  leg.     In  most  cases  the  horse  will 


164 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


knuckle  at  the  ankle  in  starting  off,  which  may  lead  you  to  think 
the  trouhle  is  in  the  ankle  and  not  in  the  hock. 

Treatment. — There  is  no  medicine  better  than  Dr.  LeGear's 
Spavin  Cure  in  the  treatment  of  spavin.  If  it  used  soon 
enough,  before  the  disease  gets  too  old,  and  used  according 
to  directions,  it  will  cure  every  time.  Kest  is  very  necessary  in 
treating  spavin.  The  animal  should  be  kept  quiet  and  not  worked 
for  four  or  six  weeks,  as  every  step  the  animal  takes  works  the 
joint,  irritates  the  disease,  and  prevents  the  medicine  making  a 
cure.  What  we  mean  by  a  cure  in  spavin  is  to  stop  the  lameness 
and  put  the  animal  in  a  condition  so  he  can  do  his  usual  work. 
After  the  lump  has  been  on  the  horse  for  several  months  there  is 
no  medicine  that  will  remove  it.  In  old  chronic  cases  there  is  no 
medicine  that  will  cure  them,  and  the  treatment  we  would  rec- 
ommend is  the  operation  of  firing.  (See  Fig.  26.)  This  is  an 
operation  which  requires  practice  and  skill  to  perform,  and 
when  properly  done  is  the  most  successful  treatment  in  old 
chronic  cases  of  spavin.  After  this  operation  it  is  very  necessary 
that  a  good  penetrating  blister  be  applied,  and  there  is  none  bet- 
ter than  Dr.  LeGear's  Spavin  Cure. 


^ 


Fig.  26.    Pointed  Firing  Iron,  for  pin-firing. 


Pig.  27.    Firing  Iron,  for  feather-firing. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  165 


BIG-HEAD. 

This  disease  is  properly  termed  "Osteo-porosis,"  as  it  is  a 
porous  condition  of  the  bones.  It  is  commonly  known  as  big- 
head,  as  the  disease  is  more  noticeable  about  the  head  by  the 
bones  of  the  face  and  lower  jaw  becoming  enlarged.  The  bones 
become  enlarged,  but  are  lighter,  more  porous,  and  more  easily 
broken  than  in  health.  Not  only  the  bones  of  the  head  are 
affected,  but  every  bone  in  the  body  becomes  more  or  less 
changed.  It  is  a  disease  of  young  horses,  as  it  is  never  seen  in 
an  old  horse.  Big-head  is  rather  rare  in  Texas,  but  we  have  seen 
a  few  cases  in  our  practice  during  the  last  three  years.  We  are 
often  called  upon  to  examine  and  prescribe  for  horses  said  to 
have  the  big-head,  when  it  is  nothing  but  an  enlargement  on  the 
face  caused  by  a  bad  jaw  tooth. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  big-head  are  rather  obscure.  Some 
authors  claim  it  is  due  to  a  deficiency  of  lime,  while  others  claim 
it  is  due  to  eating  certain  grasses  and  foods,  and  drinking  certain 
kinds  of  water. 

Symptoms. — Perhaps  the  first  symptom  noticed  is  the  enlarg- 
ing of  the  face.  One  or  both  sides  may  enlarge,  and  usually  both 
sides  of  the  face  and  each  side  of  the  lower  law  bulge  out.  The 
animal  may  appear  somewhat  stiff  and  dull  in  its  movements. 
In  many  cases  when  the  animal  lays  down  it  is  difficult  for  it  to 
get  up.  Also  as  the  bones  are  so  very  porous  and  brittle,  fracture 
may  take  place  very  easily. 

Treatment. — Treatment  is  almost  useless.  A  complete  change 
of  food,  water,  and  climate  is  about  all  that  can  be  done. 
A  change  of  climate  has  been  known  to  cure  big-head,  but  as  a 
general  thing,  when  a  horse  becomes  affected  with  the  disease  it 
is  a  hopeless  case. 


166  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  XIII. 
WOUNDS. 

Wounds  may  occur  in  any  part  of  the  body,  and  are  classified 
as  incised,  punctured,  lacerated,  contused,  gun-shot,  and  poisoned. 

Incised  Wounds,  or  cuts,  are  made  with  some  sharp  body.  The 
edges  of  the  wound  are  smooth,  as  though  cut  with  a  knife. 
These  wounds  are  the  simplest  we  are  called  upon  to  treat.  Jf 
they  occur  in  fleshy  parts,  where  no  important  structures  are 
injured,  they  soon  recover,  and  often  without  very  much  treat- 
ment. 

Punctured  Wounds  are  made  by  either  sharp  or  blunt  pointed 
substances,  as  sticks,  thorns,  nails,  etc.  The  depth  of  these 
wounds  is  always  greater  than  their  width.  In  veterinary  prac- 
tice, punctured  wounds  are  very  common,  and  more  dangerous 
than  the  other  kinds,  and  require  special  care  and  treatment. 

Lacerated  Wounds  are  those  in  which  the  soft  tissues  (skin, 
muscles,  etc.)  are  more  or  less  torn.  Lacerated  wounds  are 
usually  caused  by  coming  into  contact  with  some  blunt  object, 
as  where  a  horse  runs  against  fences,  the  corners  of  buildings, 
through  barb  wire  fences,  or  by  a  kick  from  another  animal. 
The  edges  of  such  wounds  are  ragged  and  uneven.  As  a  rule 
these  wounds  are  not  attended  with  any  serious  results  when 
early  given  proper  attention. 

Contused  Wounds  are  commonly  called  bruises,  and  are  those 
wounds  in  which  the  skin  is  not  injured  to  any  great  extent,  and 
in  some  cases  is  not  even  broken;  but  the  deeper  structures  are 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  167 

more  or  less  affected.  A  good  example  of  contused  wound  is 
"speedy  cut"  (interfering).  A  black  eye,  quite  common  among 
certain  classes  of  men,  is  a  good  example  of  a  contused  wound. 

Gun-Shot  Wounds  are  seldom  seen  except  in  times  of  war, 
when  they  are  quite  common.  Such  wounds  should  be  thor- 
oughly probed  to  be  sure  that  the  bullet  is  not  lodged  somewhere 
in  the  body.  If  the  ball  should  strike  a  bone  it  is  usually  shat- 
tered and  splintered  to  such  an  extent  as  to  warrant  us  in  hav- 
ing the  animal  destroyed. 

Poisoned  Wounds  most  frequently  result  from  the  bite  of  some 
venomous  reptile,  as  the  rattlesnake,  copperhead,  viper,  etc.,  in 
America,  and  the  cobra,  etc.,  in  India.  This  kind  of  wound  may 
also  be  caused  by  the  careless  and  improper  use  of  certain  poi- 
sonous medicines,  as  arsenic,  etc.,  getting  into  a  sore  or  cut  and 
poisoning  it. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  wounds  varies  considerably,  and 
is  governed  by  the  nature,  variety,  situation,  and  extent  of  the 
wound  under  consideration.  When  bleeding  to  any  considerable 
extent  follows  a  wound  of  any  kind,  we  must  first  of  all  stop  the 
flow  of  blood  before  attempting  to  close  the  wound  itself  or  ap- 
ply any  other  treatment.  This  object  is  effected  in  different 
ways,  according  to  whether  the  bleeding  is  from  an  artery  or  a 
vein.  If  from  an  artery,  the  blood  will  be  bright  red  or  scarlet 
in  color,  and  flows  in  spurts,  spouting  out  with  every  beat  of  the 
heart.  If  from  a  vein,  the  blood  is  darker  in  color  and  flows  in 
a  regular  stream.  Bleeding  from  large  vessels  may  be  stopped 
by  either  compress  bandages,  torsion,  hot  iron,  or  ligatures. 

By  Bandages. — If  the  blood  is  from  an  artery,  the  pressure 
should  be  applied  between  the  wound  and  the  center  of  circula- 
tion, that  is,  towards  the  body;  if  from  a  vein,  toward  the  ex- 
tremities. 


168  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


Pig   28.    Artery  Forceps. 

Torsion  (twisting). — This  is  done  by  grasping  the  divided  ves- 
sel with  the  artery  forceps  (Fig.  28)  and  twisting  it  the  proper 
number  of  times,  or  until  the  bleeding  ceases. 

The  hot  iron  may  also  be  used  to  sear  the  end  of  a  blood  vessel, 
and  thus  stop  the  bleeding. 

The  ligature  is,  however,  the  best  means  to  stop  the  flow  of 
blood  from  a  large  vessel.  The  cut  end  of  the  bleeding  vessel  is 
to  be  caught  up  with  a  pair  of  artery  forceps  and  firmly  tied 
about  one-half  inch  from  its  division. 

In  case  of  profuse  bleeding  from  the  incision  of  a  great  num- 
ber of  small  vessels,  it  is  best  stopped  by  compresses  of  cotton, 
tow,  cobwebs,  etc.,  moistened  with  the  tincture  of  the  chloride  of 
iron,  ice  water,  etc.  Our  Healing  Lotion  is  a  good  application 
for  such  purposes. 

After  bleeding  has  ceased  we  should  endeavor  to  remove  all 
foreign  bodies,  if  any  be  present.  Very  often  splinters  of  wood 
or  other  foreign  substances  are  thus  lodged,  and  unless  removed 
prevent  the  wound  from  healing.  All  deep  wounds  should  be 
thoroughly  examined  or  probed  to  the  very  bottom  to  see  if  any 
foreign  body  be  present.  After  a  thorough  exploration,  and  all 
foreign  substances  have  been  removed,  the  wound  should  be  care- 
fully and  thoroughly  cleansed  with  cold  or  warm  water,  accord- 
ing to  the  season  of  the  year,  after  which  bathe  the  parts  nicely 
with  Dr.  LeGear's  Healing  Lotion.    Now,  if  the  character  of  the 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


169 


wound  admits  of  it,  the  edges  are  to  be  brought  together  and 
secured,  which  is  usually  done  by  means  of  sutures  (stitches); 
the  interrupted  suture  being  the  best. 


Fig.  29.    Surgery  Needles  — fuU  curve. 


Fig.  30.    Surgery  Needles  — half  curve. 


Sutures  may  consist  of  wire,  either  of  tin,  Silver,  or  some  soft 
metal  coated  with  silver,  and  are  known  as  metallic  sutures. 
There  are  also  sutures  of  silk,  catgut,  etc.,  which  may  or  may  not 
be  carbolized.  For  ordinary  wounds  silk  thread  will  do  as  well 
as  any  of  the  other  kinds.     A  medium  sized  suture  needle  will 


170  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

be  found  the  most  convenient  and  best  to  use.  (Figs.  29  and  30.) 
Sutures  are  further  described  as  twisted,  quilled,  interrupted, 
etc. 

The  twisted  suture  is  the  one  usually  employed  to  close  the 
wound  made  by  the  fleam  in  bleeding  from  the  jugular  vein — 
the  large  vein  in  the  neck.  The  edges  of  the  wound  are  to  be 
l)rought  together  and  secured  in  place  by  means  of  a  pin,  which 
in  turn  is  to  be  held  in  position  by  hair  or  silk,  which  is  wound 
around  the  pin  after  the  manner  of  a  figure  eight  (8). 

The  quilled  suture  consists  of  two  pieces  of  whalebone,  wood, 
or  some  other  material,  one  on  each  side  of  the  wound,  and  con- 
nected by  a  silk  thread,  wire,  etc.  This  form  of  suture  is  very 
useful  in  large  wounds  where  the  lips  have  a  tendency  to  gape, 
and  considerable  force  is  required  to  prevent  the  wound  opening, 
the  ordinary  suture  in  such  cases  being  liable  to  tear  out. 

The  interrupted  suture  is  formed  by  passing  the  silk  or  wire 
through  the  edges  of  the  wound,  drawing  them  together  and 
tying  the  ends  of  the  suture.  By  this  method  each  stitch  is  sep- 
arate from  and  independent  of  all  the  others;  so  that  if  one  or 
more  stitches  break,  sufficient  may  still  be  left  to  hold  the  edges 
of  the  wound  in  position.  This  is  the  best  of  all  forms  of 
sutures. 

In  sewing  up  a  wound,  you  should  have  the  animal  well  se- 
cured, to  prevent  any  injury  to  himself.  Take  a  good  firm  hold 
of  the  lips  of  the  wound  with  the  fingers,  as  the  animal  will  offer 
less  resistance  than  if  the  parts  are  handled  in  a  gingerly  manner. 
Be  sure  to  bring  the  edges  of  the  wound  into  perfect  apposition, 
and  you  should  have  your  mind  made  up  as  to  where  the  first 
stitch  should  be  made.  If  the  wound  is  not  properly  stitched  and 
the  parts  brought  into  perfect  apposition,  an  ugly  pounch  or 
gap  may  be  left  to  constitute  an  eye-sore  and  ever  after  be  a 
source  of  aggravation.  Always  leave  a  sufficient  opening  at  the 
lowest  part  of  a  wound  to  allow  of  proper  drainage,  the  free 


Dr.  LeGear^s  Stock  Book.  171 

escape  of  puss,  etc.  Other  ways  of  securing  wounds  are  by  straps, 
bandages,  etc. 

Strapping  is  done  by  causing  a  number  of  pieces  of  domestic,  or 
©ther  material,  of  proper  size,  shape,  etc.,  to  adhere  to  the  parts 
by  means  of  an  application  of  pitch,  or  some  similar  adhesive. 
Where  it  is  feared  that  sutures  may  give  way,  strapping  is  fre- 
quently of  great  assistance  in  affording  support  to  sutures,  espe- 
cially in  large  wounds. 

Bandaging  consists  of  binding  or  securing  a  part  by  means  of 
a  roll  or  sheet  of  some  material,  usually  cloth  or  rubber.  Certain 
kinds  of  incised  wounds  are  readily  secured  and  the  edges  kept 
in  place  by  a  properly  adjusted  bandage;  and  a  bandage,  as  a 
rule,  leaves  less  blemish  than  the  sutures.  Bandages  also  serve 
a  useful  purpose  in  keeping  out  dirt,  flies,  etc.,  and  in  many  cases 
afford  a  useful  support  to  sutures. 

Dressixg  of  Wounds. — Most  unprofessional  people  have  an 
idea  that  there  is  a  specific  for  each  variety  of  wound.  Such  is 
not  the  case.  Still,  there  is  a  great  difference  of  opinion  among 
surgeons  as  to  the  best  way  of  dressing  wounds.  Some  believe 
that  the  air  should  be  entirely  excluded  in  the  treatment  of 
wounds;  others  do  not  believe  in  this  theory,  consequently  do  not 
make  any  attempt  to  exclude  the  air  and  scarcely  dress  wounds 
at  all,  merely  having  the  wound  kept  clean.  In  veterinary  prac- 
tice wounds  do  very  well  in  many  cases  when  exposed,  but  of 
course  may  receive  some  poisonous  germs  through  the  medium 
of  the  air;  but  the  probabilities  are  that  in  a  large  majority  of 
cases  the  air  not  only  does  no  harm,  but,  on  the  contrary,  often 
exerts  a  beneficial  influence.  Wounds  in  a  healthy  animal  heal 
faster  than  in  an  unhealthy  animal.  So  don't  expect  to  heal  up 
wounds  in  animals  with  imhealthy  constitutions  as  fast  as  you 
would  if  the  system  is  healthy.  After  the  wound  has  been  thor- 
oughly cleansed  with  warm  water  and  stitched  up,  the  treatment 
12 


172  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

niut^t  be  governed  altogether  by  circumstances.  If  intlaniuiatiou 
be  present,  a  free  use  of  hot  or  cold  applications  to  the  parts  will 
be  beneficial;  where  there  is  not  much  pain  cold  water  will 
be  found  very  good.  Inflammation  may  often  be  prevented,  and, 
Avhen  present,  may  be  reduced  by  a  dose  of  physic  and  giving  the 
patient  a  laxative  diet.  As  a  cooling  application,  and  at  the  same 
time  exerting  great  healing  powers,  there  is  nothing  better  than 
our  Celebrated  Healing  Lotion.  (See  Appendix.)  This  wonder- 
ful antiseptic  and  astringent  preparation  should  be  applied  ac- 
cording to  the  directions  on  each  bottle.  In  all  external  sores 
and  wounds,^  and  where  flies  are  liable  to  bother  a  sore,  there  is 
nothing  equal  to  our  Screw  Worm  Powder.  It  has  wonderful 
antiseptic,  healing  powers,  and  is  a  sure  prevention  against  th(^ 
much  dreaded  "screw  worm." 

ABSCESSES  AND  TUMORS. 

These  enlargements  are  quite  often  seen  in  connection  with 
horses'  shoulders,  as  the  result  of  some  injury.  Badly  fitting  col- 
lars sometimes  cause  them,  and  they  are  often  caused  by  sudden 
jars  from  the  plow  striking  a  stone  or  the  wagon  hitting  a  stump. 
They  may  also  be  caused  by  a  kick,  or  by  an  animal  running 
against  some  hard  object. 

Symptoms.  —  The  swelling  will  be  seen,  which  is  generally 
hard,  and  may  be  hot  and  tender.  Sometimes  fluid  can  be  de- 
tected in  an  abscess,  but  generally  they  have  to  be  lanced  before 
it  is  certain  that  fluid  or  puss  is  present.  At  first  the  fluid  is  thin 
and  watery,  called  serum,  but  later  on  it  turns  to  white  pus.  A 
tumor  has  no  matter  or  fluid  in  it,  but  consists  of  a  solid  mass 
of  callous  tissue. 

Treatment. — If  a  serous  abscess,  it  should  be  opened  up  freely 
with  a  clean  sharp  knife  or  lance,  to  let  the  matter  out.    Make 


Dr.  I^Gear's  Stock  Book.  173 

a  good  big  opening,  as  success  will  depend  upon  keeping  the  hole 
open  until  the  cavity  heals  inside.  Syringe  out  the  cavity  well 
with  water  1  pint  and  carbolic  acid  1  dram.  Sometimes  the 
secreting  cells  in  the  sack  will  have  to  be  destroyed  by  using  a 
caustic.  This  can  be  done  by  packing  the  cavity  full  of  cotton 
soaked  in  a  very  strong  solution  of  bluestone.  Let  it  remain  in 
twelve  hours,  then  remove  and  dress  the  sore  with  our  HeaHng 
Lotion.  If  it  is  a  tumor,  cut  it  out,  and  then  heal  up  the  wound 
iis  an  ordinar}^  sore. 

BURNS  AND  SCALDS. 

These  may  be  slight  or  may  be  so  severe  as  to  cause  death 
from  pain  and  exhaustion.  In  the  former  case,  where  only  a  red- 
dened condition  of  the  skin  is  produced,  the  pain  and  irritation 
soon  subside.  Some  bums  are  more  serious,  depending  on 
the  character  of  the  burn  inflicted.  Some  bums  cause  only  sHght 
blisters  to  form,  while  others  destroy  the  skin  and  cause  it  to 
undergo  complete  destruction.  The  worst  form  of  bum  is  that 
in  which  the  skin,  and  the  tissue  beneath  the  skin,  is  destroyed. 
This  form  of  burn,  when  extensive,  usually  causes  death. 

Treatment. — As  soon  as  possible  after  a  burn  is  produced  the 
air  should  be  excluded.  One  of  the  best  preparations  is  the  fol- 
lowing: 


Raw  linseed  oil 
Lime 


inseed  oil )    ^    .  ^ 

.  y    Lqual  parts, 

water j       ^        ^ 

Mix,  and  apply  freely  to  all  the  burned  or  scalded  sur- 
face. 


A  good  remedy  to  use  at  once  to  draw  out  the  pain  is  to  cover 
all  the  burned  surface  with  a  thick  layer  of  baking  soda.  An 
ointment  as  follows  is  good : 


174  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Oxide  of  zinc 4  drams. 

Vaseline 3  ounces. 

Mix,  and  apply  freely  to  all  affected  parts. 

SNAKE  BITES. 

This  is  a  very  common  and  serious  trouble  to  stock  owners  in 
various  parts  of  the  country.  Eattlesnakes,  copperheads,  etc., 
are  very  poisonous,  and  sometimes  cause  death  to  horses  and  cat- 
tle by  biting  them.  The  parts  bitten  generally  swell  up  exten- 
sively, and  after  a  time  sloughing  of  the  skin  and  flesh  takes 
place,  leaving  a  very  ugly  looking  sore. 

Treatment. — If  bitten  on  the  leg,  and  the  animal  is  seen  im- 
mediately afterwards,  a  string  or  rope  should  be  wound  tightly 
around  the  leg  above  the  bite,  so  as  to  keep  the  poison  from 
being  absorbed  into  the  system  until  some  of  it  can  be  destroyed 
by  applying  hot  irons,  caustic,  or  bleeding  freely  at  the  point  of 
injury.  Large  doses  of  alcohol,  whisky,  or  brandy  should  be 
given  often  to  counteract  the  effects  of  the  poison.  After  the 
swelling  forms  it  should  be  bathed  well  with  warm  waf^r  two  or 
three  times  a  day  and  our  Liniment  (see  Appendix)  well  rubbed 
in.  If  sloughing  takes  place,  it  should  be  treated  according  to 
treatment  for  wounds. 

PHLEBITIS. 

Inflammation  of  a  vein  is  called  phlebitis.  It  was  at  one  time 
quite  common  in  the  horse,  the  juglar  vein  (the  large  vein  of  the 
neck)  being  the  one  most  commonly  affected,  as  it  is  the  vein 
usually  selected  for  blood-letting.  At  one  time  the  poor  horse 
used  to  be  bled  for  nearly  every  disease  horseflesh  is  heir  to. 
The  age  of  bleeding  horses  is  a  thing  of  the  past,  except  among 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  175 

some  of  the  old-time  "horse  doctors,"  who  still  cling  to  their 
old-time  customs. 

Causes. — Blood-letting  from  the  large  vein  in  the  neck  is  prob- 
ably the  most  common  cause  of  the  trouble  and  is  the  most  dan- 
gerous kind.     Other  causes  are  injuries,  abscesses,  tumors,  etc. 

Symptoms. — In  most  cases  the  vein  is  swollen,  thickened,  and 
hardened  considerably.  The  swelling,  with  great  tenderness, 
may  extend  along  the  affected  vessel,  and  the  animal  show  gen- 
eral disturbance  and  fever. 

Treatment. — Tie  the  horse's  head  up  high  and  bathe  the  swell- 
ing with  warm  water  for  one  or  two  hours  at  a  time.  After 
bathing  with  warm  water,  dry  off  the  parts  and  rub  them  well 
with  our  Liniment  (see  Appendix).  Give  one  pint  of  raw  lin- 
seed oil  as  a  drench,  and  give  one  teaspoonful  of  saltpetre  in  the 
drinking  water  twice  a  day.  Use  the  animal  carefully,  and  give 
a  laxative  diet.  The  large  vein  usually  becomes  destroyed,  after 
which  a  horse  is  considered  unsound. 

OPEN  eJOINT. 

What  is  meant  by  open  joint  is  where  a  joint  in  the  body  is 
laid  open  by  an  injury  and  the  joint-water  (synovia)  is  allowed 
to  leak  out.  It  is  one  of  the  most  serious  injuries  to  which  the 
horse  is  liable.  Every  joint  is  surrounded  by  a  thin  membrane, 
called  the  synovial  membrane,  which  has  the  powder  of  secreting 
or  making  the  joint-water.  When  the  joint  is  not  in  motion,  very 
little,  if  any,  is  secreted,  but  while  the  joint  is  working  there  is 
sufficient  oil  (joint- water)  secreted  to  keep  the  joint  oiled  so  H 
will  work  easily.  The  joints  are  like  all  machinery — they  need 
plenty  of  oil  to  keep  them  in  good  working  order.  It  is  a  mis- 
taken idea,  if  a  joint  is  opened  and  the  joint-water  runs  out. 


176  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

that  it  will  not  be  formed  again.  Stiff-joint  is  caused  by  the 
inflammation  forming  a  bony  deposit  about  the  joint,  which 
forms  anchylosis  (stiff  joint).  The  joints  most  liable  to  this  in- 
jury are  the  stifle,  ankle,  hock,  and  knee.  There  are  little  bur- 
sae  (membranes)  that  secrete  synovia  to  lubricate  the  tendons 
(leaders)  where  they  ply  over  joints  and  prominent  places.  Some- 
times these  are  opened  and  by  the  synovia  (oil)  running  out  of  a 
wound  might  lead  a  person  to  suspect  open  joint.  This  is  not 
open  joint  nor  nowhere  near  as  bad  an  injury. 

Causes. — The  causes  of  this  trouble  are  generally  some  kind  of 
an  injury,  as  kicks,  blows  of  any  kind,  falls,  punctures,  etc.  It 
is  often  caused  by  unprofessional  parties  trying  to  perform  some 
surgical  operation  in  the  region  of  a  joint — by  cutting  into  the 
joint  and  allowing  the  synovia  to  escape.  Any  person  not  thor- 
oughly familiar  with  the  anatomy  of  the  joints  should  never  cut 
into  one  under  any  consideration.  The  worst  form  of  open  joint 
is  where  it  is  caused  by  a  kick,  or  by  an  animal  falling  on  his 
knees  and  cutting  them  wide  open.  This  form  of  injury  not  only 
opens  the  joint,  but  bruises  and  lacerates  the  tissues,  causing  very 
severe  inflammation  and  extensive  sloughing  of  the  parts. 

Symptoms. — In  a  case  caiised  by  a  shai-p  instrument,  as  a  knife,, 
pitchfork,  etc.,  penetrating  the  joint  there  may  not  be  any  severe 
symptoms  for  one  or  two  days.  The  synovia  (joint  oil)  runs  out, 
air  gets  into  the  joint,  irritation  and  severe  inflammation  follow, 
accompanied  by  great  swelling,  and  the  suffering  of  the  animal 
becomes  most  agonizing,  and,  unless  speedily  checked,  death  is 
certain.  Joint  oil  is  a  clear  fluid,  of  a  watery,  oily  nature,  and 
will  coagulate  (thicken)  on  the  edges  of  the  wound  on  becoming 
exposed  to  the  air.  At  first  the  discharge  is  clear  joint-water, 
but  later  on  it  becomes  mixed  with  pus,  and  in  some  cases 
streaked  with  blood.  When  pus  and  blood  escape  in  any  great 
quantity,  there  is  very  liable  to  be  stiff- joint.    The  animal  has  a 


Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  177 

very  high  fever  and  may  not  eat  at  all  on  account  of  the  excru- 
ciating pain  he  has  to  suffer.  We  have  known  several  cases  to 
die  within  one  week,  from  the  severe  pain  of  open  joint. 

Treatment. — In  the  treatment  of  open  joint  our  great  aim 
should  be  to  check  the  flow  of  joint-water  as  soon  as  possible. 
It  is  a  very  serious  disease,  and  the  treatment  is  very  difficult  and 
not  very  successful.  Keep  the  animal  as  quiet  as  possible,  as  the 
working  of  the  joint  irritates  the  disease  and  prevents  recovery. 
A  stream  of  cold  water  should  be  let  run  on  to  the  parts  for  hours 
at  a  time.  This  may  be  done  where  the  waterworks  are  conve- 
nient by  fastening  the  hose  to  the  ceiling  over  the  horse  and  let 
the  end  come  down  and  fasten  it  to  the  affected  part  by  bandages. 
Then  turn  on  a  small  stream  of  water  and  let  it  run  for  hours 
at  a  time.  This  is  to  take  out  the  fever  and  swelling.  Wash  the 
sore  as  little  as  possible  to  keep  it  clean.  Apply  some  astringent 
healing  wash  as  our  Healing  Lotion  once  or  twice  a  day.  A  poul- 
tice of  equal  parts  of  wheat  flour  and  oatmeal,  to  be  applied  warm 
two  or  three  times  a  day,  is  an  excellent  remedy,  as  it  has  a  ten- 
dency to  coagulate  the  joint-oil  and  close  up  the  wound;  or 
equal  parts  of  tannic  acid,  dried  alum,  and  gum  arabic,  well  ap- 
plied to  the  parts,  and  held  in  place  by  pledgets  of  tow  or  cotton, 
will  be  found  an  excellent  application  to  arrest  the  flow  of  sy- 
novia. With  close  attention  and  proper  treatment  a  few  cases 
will  recover,  but  the  majority  of  cases  terminate  in  stiff-joint  or 
death.  If  the  joint  is  enlarged  after  the  wound  heals,  blister  it 
well  with  our  Spavin  Cure,  which  will  remove  a  great  deal  of 
the  enlargement  and  perhaps  limber  up  the  joint. 

CURB. 

A  curb  is  a  small  enlargement  on  the  back  part  of  the  hind  leg, 
about  five  inches  below  the  point  of  the  hock.  It  is  caused  from 
a  strain  of  the  calcaneo-cuboid  ligament,  which  is  a  strong  liga- 


178  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

ment  passing  from  the  point  of  the  hock  down  to  a  short  distauoe 
below  the  location  of  the  curb.     (See  Fig.  31.) 

Causes. — It  may  be  caused  from  slipping  and  straining  the 
leg  while  drawing  heavy  loads  in  the  mud  or  up  hill.  In  some 
cases  it  is  hereditary,  as  certain  breeds  of  horses  have  curbjr 
hocks  (bowed  beliind),  and 
are  liable  to  throw  out  a 
curb  on  being  driven  fast  N^|!§j^J 
or  worked  to  a  heavy  load. 

Symptoms. — After  a  hard 
day's  work  pulling  a  heavy 
load,  the  animal  may  be 
noticed  lame,  and  on  exam- 
ining the  leg  you  will  no- 
tice a  firm,  hot  swelling  on 
the  back  part  of  the  hind 
leg  about  five  inches  below 
the  hock.  On  pressing  it 
the  animal  shows  pain. 
After  the  soreness  and  in- 
flammation passes  away  it  forms  into  a  hard  knot,  and  unless 
properly  treated  will  always  remain  there. 

Treatment. — Lay  the  horse  ofi:'  work,  and  don't  use  him  at  all 
for  at  least  one  w^eek.  In  the  early  stages  when  fever  and  sore- 
ness are  present,  bathe  it  with  cold  water  and  afterwards  rub  it 
well  with  Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment  (see  Appendix).  A  great  deal 
will  depend  on  rubbing  it  well.  Eub  the  Liniment  in  thoroughly 
twice  a  day  with  a  corn-cob  or  a  smooth  piece  of  bone.  If  you 
fail  to  remove  the  lameness  and  the  lump  by  this  treatment,  kept 
up  for  one  week,  then  there  is  nothing  better  to  cure  it  than  our 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  179 

Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix),  which,  if  properly  used,  will  remove 
the  lameness  and  take  off  the  enlargement. 

WIND  PUFFS. 

Wind  puffs  are  soft,  puffy  tumors  at  the  back  of  the  fetlock 
(ankle)  joint.  They  were  formerly  supposed  to  contain  air,  but 
are  now  known  to  contain  the  same  kind  of  fluid  as  bog  spavin 
and  thorough-pin.  They  seldom  ever  cause  lameness.  They  are 
seen  more  frequently  on  horses  with  straight  pasterns  and  those 
that  are  driven  fast  on  hard  rocky  roads. 

Causes. — Wind  puffs  are  generally  brought  on  by  hard  and 
fast  work  on  hard  roads,  drawing  heavy  loads,  jumping,  or  any 
work  that  is  liable  to  strain  or  weaken  the  legs.  In  most  cases 
they  are  just  soft,  flabby,  cold  swellings,  which  appear  to  do  the 
animal  no  harm  at  all,  but  occasionally  they  are  hot  and  firm 
and  cause  lameness. 

« 

Treatment. — Old  chronic  cases  of  wind  puffs  are  generally  very 
hard  to  cure.  Any  fever  or  soreness  in  connection  with  them 
should  be  removed  by  using  Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment  and  bandag- 
ing with  cold,  wet  bandages.  Thorough  hand-rubbing  two  or 
three  times  a  day  may  do  good.  All  else  failing,  there  is  nothing 
equal  to  our  Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix)  well  rubbed  in  and 
repeated  when  necessary. 

THOROUGH -PIN. 

Thorough-pin  is  a  soft,  puffy  swelling  in  the  hollow  on  each 
side  just  in  front  of  the  point  of  the  hock.  It  is  very  often  seen 
in  connection  with  bog  spavin,  and  when  seen  alone  seldom 
causes  lameness.  It  is  the  same  kind  of  an  enlargement  as  bog 
spavin,  only  is  in  a  different  place  on  the  joint. 


180 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


Treatment. — A  thorough-pin  truss  (Fig.  32)  is  very  beneficial 
in  some  cases,  but  there  is  no  treatment  better  than  Dr.  I^eGear^s 
Spavin  Cure  when  used  according  to  directions. 


Fig.  32.    Thoroughpin  Truss. 


Fig.  33. 


Bog-Spavin  and  Thorough- 
pin  Truss. 


BOG  SPAVIN. 


A  bog  spavin  is  a  soft,  puffy  swelling  on  the  inside  of  the  front 
of  the  hock  joint,  in  about  the  same  location  as  high  bone  spavin. 
It  is  an  accumulation  of  synovia  (joint-water)  in  a  distension  of 
the  capsular  ligament.  Large  heavy  draft  horses  are  very  liable 
to  bog  spavin,  and  it  very  seldom  injures  such  horses.  But  in 
light  horses,  or  those  used  for  fast  work,  the  presence  of  bog 
spavin  or  any  unnatural  fullness  in  the  region  of  the  hock  should 
always  be  viewed  with  great  suspicion.  Where  bog  spavin  is 
present  thorough-pin  is  nearly  always  found. 


Causes. — Bog  spavin  is  usually  caused  by  hard  and  fast  work, 
irregular  or  too  little  exercise,  high  feeding,  etc.  It  is  sometimes 
produced  very  easily,  especially  in  young  horses. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  181 

Symptoms. — Bog  spavin  can  generally  be  detected  quite  easily, 
as  the  swelling  can  be  easily  seen.  In  large  horses  the  swelling 
is  generally  flabby  and  cool,  and  does  no  harm.  In  light  driving 
horses  it  is  very  liable  to  cause  lameness,  and  if  much  fevered  ia 
very  liable  to  turn  to  a  fibrous  or  bony  lump. 

Treatment. — Give  rest  and  blister  thoroughly  with  our  Spavin 
Cure.  In  heavy  horses  and  those  that  are  not  lame,  it  is  best  to 
let  the  spavin  alone,  as  it  will  seldom  do  harm.  Hand-rubbing 
is  very  useful,  and  what  is  still  better  is  a  bog  spavin  truss  (Fig. 
33),  which  gives  pressure.  Careful  firing  is  sometimes  very  bene- 
ficial, but  there  is  no  remedy  better  than  Dr.  LeGear's  Spavin 
Cure.    (See  Appendix.) 

CAPPED  HOCK. 

Capped  hock  is  an  enlargement  on  the  point  of  the  hock. 
It  is  generally  quite  small,  but  may  become  very  large.  (See 
Mg.  34.) 

Causes. — Capped  hock  is  generally  caused  by  blows,  kicks,  etc., 
or  by  the  horse  lying  with  the  points  of  the  hocks  on  the  hard 
ground.  It  is  sometimes  due  to  a  dropsical  condition  of  the  legs. 
If  a  horse  has  capped  hock  it  is  well  to  suspect  him  as  a  kicker. 

Treatment. — The  best  treatment  in  the  early  stages  of  the  dis- 
ease, when  it  is  due  to  an  injury,  is  to  bathe  it  thoroughly  two 
or  three  times  a  day  with  Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment.  (See  Appen- 
dix.) If  it  does  not  go  away  in  the  course  of  a  week,  apply  some 
of  our  Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix),  and  repeat  in  two  weeks  if 
necessary.  Always  remove  the  cause.  If  the  horse  is  a  kicker, 
try  and  keep  everything  away  from  his  hocks.  If  he  lays  on 
them,  put  a  large  pad  on  his  hocks  and  give  him  a  good  soft  bed 
to  lie  on. 


182 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


Pig.  34.  Capped  Hock.  Fig.  35.  Capped  Elbow. 

CAPPED  ELBOW,  OE  SHOE  BOIL. 

.  This  is  commonly  called  Shoe  Boil,  and  consists  of  an  enlarge- 
ment at  the  point  of  the  elbow,  due  to  an  injury.  Capped  elbow 
is  a  very  common  condition,  and  varies  considerably  in  character, 
size,  etc.    (See  Fig.  35.) 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  of  this  condition  is  the 
elbow  coming  into  contact  with  the  shoe  when  the  animal  is  ly- 
ing down.  It  may  also  be  caused  by  the  elbow  coming  in  con- 
tact with  the  hoof,  the  ground,  or  the  belly  band,  etc. 

Symptoms. — At  first  there  is  only  a  slight  irritation  of  the 
part,  producing  more  or  less  enlargement.  In  some  cases  there 
is  considerable  inflammation,  which  terminates  in  a  collection 
of  fluid.  In  aggravated  cases  this  fluid  solidifies  and  forms  a 
hard  tumor  on  the  point  of  the  elbow,  and  in  some  cases  an  ab- 
•scess  may  form. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  18-^ 

Treatment— li  taken  when  the  swelling  first  comes  on,  bathe 
it  well  with  hot  water  three  times  a  day  and  apply  our  Liniment 
after  each  time  of  bathing.  Remove  the  shoe  and  keep  the  press- 
ure off  the  parts,  and  the  swelling  will  soon  disappear.  It  may 
be  well  to  not  let  the  horse  lay  down  for  several  nights  dur- 
ing treatment.  Sometimes  a  quantity  of  fluid  forms  in  the  swell- 
ing, which  will  have  to  be  let  out  by  lancing  the  place.  After 
lancing,  syringe  out  the  cavity  every  day  with  a  weak  solution 
of  carbolic  acid  until  healed.  The  swelling  sometimes  will  de- 
velop into  a  fibrous  tumor,  and  may  get  to  be  very  large.  In  such 
cases  the  only  treatment  is  to  dissect  the  tumor  out,  and  let  the 
place  heal  up  as  an  ordinary  sore.  Before  the  tumor  gets  too 
large  it  may  be  removed  by  blistering  well  with  our  Spavin  Cure. 
A  seaton  put  through  the  tumor  may  drain  it  out.  A  circular 
padded  leather  boot  can  be  buckled  around  the  horse^s  foot  just 
below  the  ankle  to  keep  the  shoe  pressing  on  the  elbow  while 
the  animal  is  lying  down.  This  boot  will  prevent  the  tumor 
from  forming  a^ain. 

KNUCKLING,  OE  COCKED  ANKLES. 

Knuckling  is  an  unnatural  position  of  the  fetlock  joint, 
which  is  more  or  less  bent,  causing  a  prominent  enlargement  on 
the  front  part  of  the  joint.  While  knuckling  is  not  always  an 
unsoundness,  it  nevertheless  predisposes  to  stumbling  and  to 
fracture  of  the  pastern. 

Causes. — It  is  a  condition  often  seen  in  young  foals,  due,  no 
doubt,  to  a  bent  condition  of  the  limbs  before  birth,  and  as  a 
general  thing  soon  disappears.  Horses  with'  straight  pasterns 
are  very  apt  to  knuckle  as  they  grow  old,  especially  in  the  hind 
legs.  All  kinds  of  heavy  work,  especially  in  hilly  districts,  se- 
vere pulling,  and  fast  work  on  race  tracks  are  exciting  causes  of 
knuckling.    It  may  occur  as  a  result  of  irregular  exercise,  sprain 


184  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

of  the  ligaments,  disease  of  the  suspensory  ligament,  or  of  the 
flexor  tendons,  whereby  they  are  shortened.  Allowing  the  feet 
to  grow  out  of  shape,  poor  shoeing,  etc.,  no  doubt  have  a  great 
deal  to  do  with  it. 

Treatment. — In  young  foals,  treatment  is  not  necessary,  as  all 
that  need  be  done  is  to  keep  the  feet  in  proper  shape  and  the  legs 
will  straighten  up  in  a  few  weeks'  time.  In  adult  animals  it  may 
be  relieved  by  shoeing  when  due  to  contracted  tendons.  Shorten 
the  toe  of  the  foot  as  much  as  possible,  leaving  the  heels  high; 
or  thin  the  shoe  at  the  toe  with  thick  heels  or  high  calks.  On 
the  hind  feet  put  long-heeled  shoes  with  calks.  An  operation  in 
some  cases  is  indicated,  that  of  dividing  (or  cutting)  the  back 
tendons,  between  the  fetlock  and  knee,  for  the  purpose  of  secur- 
ing relief.  Firing  and  blistering  in  some  instances  may  effect  a 
cure. 

KNEE-SPRUNG. 

.  This  is  a  bending  forward  of  the  knees,  in  consequence  of 
contraction  of  the  back  tendons.    (See  Fig.  36.) 

Causes. — The  causes  which  may  be  mentioned  are  hard  and 
fast  work,  irregular  exercise,  as  keeping  the  animal  up  and  feed- 
ing well  for  several  days,  then  taking  out  and  driving  freely. 
It  is  often  the  result  of  a  hores  standing  in  a  stall  with  a  floor 
sloping  from  before  backwards,  especially  so  when  there  is  a  weak 
conformation  of  the  parts.  Overgrowth  of  hoof,  poor  shoeing, 
etc.,  must  be  included  among  the  causes. 

Treatment. — If  it  is  due  to  standing  on  a  sloping  floor,  place 
the  animal  on  a  level  surface,  or  in  a  stall  lower  in  front  than 
behind.    It  is  considered  incurable  in  old  horses,  and  is  liable  td 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


185 


return  even  in  young  animals.  Special  atten- 
should  be  paid  to  the  shoeing.  Be  sure  that 
the  feet  are  balanced  from  side  to  side.  If  he 
drops  on  his  toe  while  traveling  and  wears 
his  shoe  at  the  toe  most,  the  toe  is  too  high 
or  too  long,  and  it  must  be  lowered.  If  the 
toe  can  not  be  lowered  sufficiently,  attach  heel 
corks  to  the  shoe.  If  he  lands  on  the  heels 
first  while  at  speed,  and  wears  liis  shoe  at  the 
heels  most,  his  heels  are  too  high,  and  must 
be  lowered  to  overcome  the  trouble.  A  stim- 
ulating liniment,  as  Dr.  LeGear's  (see  Appen- 
dix), or  even  a  good  blister,  as  Dr.  LeGear's 
Spavin  Cure,  or  the  firing  iron,  may  be  found 
very  beneficial  in  cases  of  knee  sprung.  This 
is  to  be  applied  to  the  back  tendons  as  direct- 
ed for  use  on  other  parts.  Great  benefit  will 
also  be  found  by  giving  the  animal  a  run  at 
pasture  for  two  or  three  months. 


Fig.  36. 
Knee- Sprung. 


Calf-Knees. — This  is  exactly  an  opposite  condition  to  that 
of  sprung  knees.  Such  a  limb  is  very  weak,  and  liable  to  sprains, 
etc. 

Treatment. — We  know  of  nothing  that  can  be  done  for  it. 

SPRAIN  OF  THE  FETLOCK. 

This  is  most  common  in  the  forelegs,  and  usually  affects  one 
at  a  time.  Horses  doing  fast  work  and  those,  that  interfere  are 
particularly  liable  to  this  injury. 


CaiLses. — It  is  generally  produced  by  a  misstep,  stumbling, 
slipping,  etc.,  or  where  the  foot  is  caught  in  a  rut,  hole  in  a 
bridge,  or  in  a  car  track. 


186  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Symptoms. — There  is  more  or  less  lameness,  accompanied  by 
heat,  pain,  and  considerable  swelling.  While  at  rest  the  affected 
leg  is  flexed  at  the  joint  affected,  but  this  is  not  to  be  considered 
an  infallible  sign,  as  the  animal  may  have  picked  up  a  nail,  in 
which  case  he  will  also  knuckle  at  the  fetlock. 

Treatment. — If  the  injury  is  slight,  cold  water  bandages  and 
a  few  days^  rest  is  all  that  is  necessary.  In  severe  cases  the  leg 
should  be  placed  under  a  stream  of  cold  water  for  hours  at  a 
time,  and  after  drying,  apply  some  good,  stimulating  liniment 
and  put  on  a  cold  water  bandage.  There  is  no  better  than  our 
Liniment  for  such  purposes.  Keep  up  the  applications  of  water, 
liniment,  and  cold  water  bandages  for  several  days,  or  until  the 
fever  and  swelling  are  reduced.  When  the  inflammation  has  sub- 
sided a  good  blister,  such  as  our  Spavin  Cure,  should  be  applied, 
well  rubbed  into  the  part. 

SPEAIN  OF  THE  SUSPENSORY  LIGAMENT. 

The  suspensory  ligament  is  a  strong  band  of  fibrous  tissue  ex- 
tending from  the  knee  down  the  leg  between  the  bone  and  the 
back  tendons  (leaders),  and  divides  just  above  the  ankle  joint; 
the  divided  portions  passing  over  the  ankle  joint  and  becoming 
attached  just  below.  This  ligament  is  the  stay  to  the  ankle,  as 
when  it  becomes  ruptured  (torn  in  two)  the  ankle  joint  will  come 
clear  to  the  ground,  constituting  what  is  known  as  break-down. 
The  suspensory  ligament  is  liable  to  sprain  from  various  causes, 
as  from  stepping  on  a  stone,  slipping,  jumping,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  will  be  more  or  less  lame,  and  will 
especially  show  it  when  turning  around  short.  It  is  invariably 
seen  in  the  front  leg.  There  is  seldom  any  swelling  takes  place, 
which  makes  it  such  a  hard  lameness  tO  locate  by  inexperienced 
parties.  If  you  squeeze  the  ligament  with  the  thumb  and  finger 
the  animal  will  show  considerable  pain. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  187 

Treatment. — This  lameness  needs  complete  rest,  as  by  work- 
ing the  animal  before  the  sprain  is  cured  the  ligament  is  liable 
to  rupture,  and  break  down.  If  in  summer  apply  a  bandage  wet 
in  cold  water  two  or  three  times  a  day.  Let  the  bandage  envelop 
the  leg  from  the  knee  to  the  foot.  Also  rub  the  parts  well  two 
or  three  times  a  day  with  our  Liniment.  Keep  the  animal  quiet 
for  perhaps  one  or  two  months.  When  the  fever  is  pretty  well 
gone  from  the  parts,  apply  our  Spavin  Cure  and  give  the  animal 
a  run  at  grass. 

BREAK -DOWN. 

Break-down  is  rupture  of  the  suspensory  ligament.  It  gen- 
erally ruptures  just  above  the  ankle  joint.  It  may  be  caused  by 
an  animal  being  worked  or  ridden  while  suffering  from  sprain 
of  the  suspensory  ligament.  By  the  ligament  being  sprained  it 
is  naturally  weakened  and  very  liable  to  tear  or  rupture  if  too 
much  weight  is  put  upon  it.  It  is  seen  more  frequently  in  race 
horses. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  goes  suddenly  lame,  and  the  fetlock 
(ankle  joint)  comes  clear  down  to  the  ground,  or  nearly  so.  If 
only  one  portion  of  the  ligament  is  broken  the  ankle  will  come 
only  part  way  down,  but  will  lean  to  one  side.  If  partial  break- 
down is  suspected,  don't  put  the  animal  to  work  again  for  sev- 
eral months,  or  until  the  parts  are  entirely  well  and  strong  again. 

Treatment. — In  break-down  there  may  be  a  great  deal  of  fever 
and  swelling  take  place,  which  must  be  removed  by  bathing  with 
warm  water  and  a  good  stimulating  liniment,  none  being  better 
than  our  Liniment.  Keep  the  animal  perfectly  quiet  and  apply 
a  bandage  snugly  to  the  ankle,  which  will  serve  as  a  support. 
After  the  fever  is  reduced  apply  a  good  stimulating  blister,  as 
13 


188  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

our  Spavin  Cure,  applied  as  directed.  The  animal  may  be  given 
a  run  at  pasture  for  two  or  three  months.  It  is  surprising  how 
this  injury  will  in  some  cases  recover  and  the  animal  be  useful 
for  slow  work  for  years. 

SWEENY. 

This,  properly  speaking,  is  Shoulder-slip,  but  in  this  article 
we  have  used  the  name  in  common  use.  It  is  atrophy  (wasting 
away)  of  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder. 

Causes. — Sweeny  is  a  condition  frequently  met  with,  as  it  may 
be  caused  in  a  variety  of  ways.  It  is  more  commonly  seen  in 
young  horses  that  are  put  to  heavy  work  when  the  muscles  are 
soft.  Plowing  is  a  common  cause,  where  the  animal  walks  with 
one  foot  in  the  furrow  and  one  foot  out.  Sudden  jerks,  such  as 
might  be  caused  by  a  plow  striking  a  root  or  a  rock,  or  suddenly 
starting  a  heavy  load,  a  badly  fitting  collar,  jolts  or  jars,  bruises, 
or  any  injury  to  the  shoulder,  etc.,  all  tend  to  produce  the  condi- 
tion known  as  sweeny.  Long  standing  cases  of  lameness  cause 
sweeny  by  the  disuse  of  the  muscles  of  the  limb  and  shoulder. 

Symptoms. — About  the  first  thing  noticed  by  the  owner  is 
wasting  away  of  the  muscles  of  the  shoulder,  and  the  animal  may 
be  somewhat  stiff,  or  even  lame,  for  a  few  days  previous.  There 
is  also  an  unnatural  bulging  of  the  shoulder  joint.  In  some  cases 
atrophy  occurs  to  such  an  extent  that  one  might  think  the  mus- 
cles had  disappeared  entirely. 

Treatment. — There  are  a  great  many  forms  of  treatment  used 
in  curing  sweeny,  and  some  of  them  are  very  cruel  and  useless. 
The  only  treatment  we  use,  and  we  never  find  it  to  fail,  is  our 
Spavin  Cure.  (See  Appendix.)  This  is  a  stimulating,  penetrat- 
ing, sweating  blister  that  stimulates  the  growth  of  the  muscle 


Dk.  LeGear^s  Stock  Book.  189 

and  reproduces  the  shoulder  in  a  remarkably  short  time.  It  sel- 
dom if  ever  requires  over  two  or  three  applications  to  make  a 
cure.  Use  according  to  directions.  A  good,  but  very  simple, 
remedy  is  as  follows: 

Oil  of  turpentine 2  drams. 

Sweet  oil 4  drams. 

Mix,  and  inject  under  the  skin  in  several  places  at  the 
upper  part  of  the  wasted  muscles. 

A  swelling  may  follow  the  above  injection,  extending  as  far 
down  as  the  knee  and  lasting  for  forty-eight  hours,  when  it 
gradually  disappears.  Give  the  horse  a  run  at  pasture,  or  gentle 
exercise  by  riding,  or  driving  with  a  breast  collar. 

SHOULDER -JOINT  LAMENESS. 

The  shoulder  joint  is  liable  to  injuries  in  various  ways,  al- 
though not  so  often  affected  as  some  people  commonly  suppose. 
Among  a  certain  class  of  "horse  doctors,"  who,  when  they  can 
not  locate  a  case  of  lameness,  always  refer  it  to  the  shoulder  joint 
at  once,  and  blister  and  seton  the  same,  putting  the  poor  animal 
to  an  endless  amount  of  torture,  when  in  all  probability  the 
trouble  is  in  the  feet. 

Causes. — A  common  cause  is  direct  injury,  as  by  an  animal 
running  away,  falling  down,  slipping,  etc.,  and  in  young  horses 
is  often  produced  by  turning  and  circling  them  violently  when 
breaking  them  to  work.  It  is  a  common  trouble  among  cavalry 
horses. 

Symptoms. — Where  the  lameness  is  well  marked,  the  animal 
has  considerable  difficulty  in  extending  the  limb;  and  in  travel- 
ing the  limb  is  kept  as  straight  as  possible,  and  is  brought 


190  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

forward  with  difficulty — swinging  it  outward  instead  of  carrying 
it  forward  in  a  natural  manner.  When  the  animal  stands  at  rest 
the  affected  limb  will  be  slightly  bent,  with  the  toe  resting  upon 
the  ground.  In  some  cases  there  will  be  swelling,  heat,  etc.,  in 
the  region  of  the  shoulder  joint.  On  pulling  the  limb  forward 
the  animal  will  rear  up,  showing  considerable  pain.  On  allow- 
ing the  animal  to  stand  all  night  after  being  driven  and  warmed 


Fig.  37.    Shoulder-Joint  Lameness. 

up,  he  is  found  in  the  morning  to  be  very  stiff  and  lame;,  warm 
him  up  and  the  l^neness  decreases.  He  usually  strikes  the  toe 
and  stumbles  when  traveling,  and  on  being  made  to  step  over 
some  object,  he  either  refuses,  or  does  so  with  the  utmost  difl&- 
culty;  in  which  case  he  drags  his  limb  over,  or  strikes  his  toe 
against  it.  In  some  cases  it  is  rather  difficult  to  distinguish 
between  shoulder-joint  and  foot  lameness,  especially  where  the 
lameness  is  slight  and  not  well  marked.  In  causing  an  animal 
to  back,  if  he  drags  the  foot  it  is  a  good  indication  of  shoulder 
lameness.     (See  Fig.  37.) 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  191 

Treatment. — The  animal  should  be  g-iven  a  rest,  and  hot  water 
applied  to  the  affected  parts  for  an  hour  at  a  time  two  or  three 
times  a  day.  Bathe  the  parts  with  our  Liniment  (see  Appendix), 
well  rubbed  in  two  or  three  times  a  day.  This  is  undoubtedly 
the  best  liniment  made  for  sprains  and  bruises  and  all  muscular 
soreness.  After  the  inflammation  and  swelling  has  gone  down 
and  the  horse  is  still  lame,  the  parts  should  be  slightly  blistered 
by  rubbing  in  our  Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix)  lightly,  according 
to  directions,  and  give  the  horse  a  run  at  pasture. 

ENLAEGED  JOINTS. 

Enlarged  joints  are  very  frequently  seen  on  horses  that  have 
had  rough  usage  and  hard  work.  They  may  be  due  to  an  injury, 
as  from  being  snagged,  kicked,  or  from  a  thorn.  They  are  often 
due  to  sprains  and  hard  work,  that  inflame  the  joint  and  cause 
an  inflammatory  swelling  which  may  remain  until  removed  by 
treatment. 

Treatment. — If  the  enlargement  is  of  a  bony  formation  it  can 
not  be  removed.  If  the  horse  is  lame,  the  lameness  may  be  re- 
moved, but  the  enlargement  will  remain.  If  the  enlargement  is 
of  a  fleshy  nature  it  may  be  removed  by  applying  some  good  ab- 
sorbing, sweating  blister,  as  our  Spavin  Cure.  If  our  Spavin 
Cure  will  not  remove  an  enlargement  of  this  kind,  no  medicine 
will,  for  it  is  the  best  absorbing,  penetrating,  and  sweating  blister 
made.    Use  according  to  direction  on  each  bottle. 

STIFLED. 

Stifled  is  the  general  name  for  "dislocation  of  the  patella" — 
meaning  that  the  patella,  or  little  bone  covering  the  stifle,  has 
slipped  out  of  place.  The  patella  in  the  horse  is  a  little  bone 
covering  the  stifle,  the  same  as  the  knee-cap  covers  the  knee  in 


192  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

man.    This  is  rather  a  rare  trouble  in  the  horse,  but  still  we  see 
it  quite  often. 

Causes, — Stifle  may  be  caused  by  a  horse  slipping,  falling, 
stepping  on  a  stone  that  rolls  or  gives  way,  especially  if  the  ani- 
mal is  in  a  weakened  condition  or  suffering  from  some  debilitat- 
ing disease.  Partial  stifle  is  where  the  litte  stifle  bone  slips  par- 
tially out  and  in,  making  a  clucking  noise  at  every  step,  which  is 
often  seen  in  colts,  especially  those  running  on  hilly  pastures. 

Symptoms. — Stifled  is  an  affection  which  when  once  seen  can 
be  easily  told.  The  little  bone  (patella)  slips  to  the  outside, 
causing  an  enlargement  on  the  outside  of  the  stifle  joint.  But 
the  most  noticeable  symptom  is  the  position  and  action  of  the 
leg.  The  foot  is  extended  backward  and  the  animal  can't  bring 
it  forward.  The  stifle  bone  (patella)  serves  as  a  pully  to  the 
hind  leg,  and  when  once  out  of  place  the  leg  can't  be  brought 
forward  until  the  stifle  bone  is  put  back  or  flies  back  in  its  place. 
In  "partial  stifle"  there  is  a  peculiar  stiffness  of  the  hind  leg, 
and  a  clucking  noise  is  noticed  at  every  step,  which  is  produced 
by  the  stifle  bone  slipping  in  and  out  of  its  socket. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  is  not  difficult,  and  as  a  rule  is 
successful,  if  properly  carried  out.  The  first  thing  to  do  is  to  put 
the  stifle  bone  back  in  place,  which  is  done  by  tying  a  rope  around 
the  foot  of  the  affected  leg  and  letting  one  man  stand  in  front 
of  the  animal  and  gently  pull  on  the  rope,  while  you  press  in  on 
the  stifle  bone  or  enlargement  on  the  outside  of  the  stifle,  when 
the  bone  will  slip  back  in  place  with  a  clicking  sound.  In  some 
cases,  by  exciting  the  animal,  as  by  whipping,  causing  him  to 
move  suddenly,  etc.,  the  bone  may  fly  back  into  place  and  the 
animal  have  free  use  of  the  leg  until  it  slips  out  again.  When 
once  in  position  keep  it  there  by  tying  the  foot  so  it  can't  extend 
backwards,  and  bathe  the  stifle  thoroughly  with  warm  water,  and 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  193 

use  Dr.  LeGear's  Liniment  (see  Appendix)  twice  per  day,  well 
rubbed  in.  Give  the  animal  complete  rest  for  some  time.  After 
about  ten  days  the  whole  stifle  should  be  well  blistered  to 
strengthen  the  ligaments  that  have  been  stretched  and  torn. 
There  is  no  blister  better  than  Dr.  LeGear's  Spavin  Cure.  In 
some  cases  a  stifle  shoe  is  very  beneticial.  In  "partial  stifle,*' 
where  the  bone  slips  in  and  out  at  every  step,  the  animal  should 
be  kept  quiet  for  a  week  or  two  and  a  good  blister  applied  as  rec- 
ommended above. 

HIP-JOINT  DISEASE. 

The  hip-joint,  one  of  the  strongest  joints  in  the  body,  is  some- 
times the  seat  of  disease,  but  not  so  often  as  is  commonly  sup- 
posed. Why  this  should  be  is  plain  to  any  one  understanding 
the  structure  and  situation  of  the  joint,  it  being  formed  of  some 
of  the  heaviest  bones  in  the  body,  secured  in  place  by  extremely 
powerful  ligaments,  etc. 

Causes. — Any  exercise  of  a  violent  character,  as  jumping,  sud- 
den turns  while  running,  slipping,  falling,  etc.,  may  all  operate 
in  causing  hip- joint  lameness.  When  inflammation  occurs  in 
this  joint,  a  series  of  pathological  changes  take  place  in  exactly 
the  same  manner  as  in  other  joints. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  persists  in  standing;  the  foot  is  ele- 
vated from  the  ground  and  not  allowed  to  descend,  unless  the 
animal  is  forced  to  move.  Wasting  away  of  the  muscles  of  the 
part  takes  place,  and  in  many  cases  the  animal  becomes  unable 
to  He  down,  or  does  so  with  the  greatest  difficulty.  In  milder 
cases  the  animal  may  be  able  to  place  the  foot  upon  the  ground, 
and  even  travel.  The  animal  travels  with  a  kind  of  hop,  and 
lias  considerable  difficulty  in  bringing  forward  the  limb.  The 
limb  may  also  be  brought  forward  in  a  circular  manner,  with  the 
toe  dragging  upon  the  ground. 


194  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — Give  absolute  rest,  and  apply  fomentations  of  hot 
or  cold  water,  according  to  the  season  of  the  year.  After  foment- 
ing for  several  days,  and  the  heat  and  soreness  is  considerably  re- 
moved, thoroughly  blister  the  parts  with  our  Spavin  Cure,  or 
use  the  firing  iron,  according  to  the  directions  for  spavin. 

COLLAR  GALLS. 

Collar  galls  are  very  common  among  working  horses,  and  may 
be  the  means  of  coneiderable  trouble  and  render  the  animal  less 
liable  to  do  his  work.  They  are  found  in  the  region  of  the  neck 
and  shoulder,  and  are  c^ised  by  a  badly  fitting  or  rough-seated 
collar,  which  sets  up  an  irritation,  resulting  in  a  kind  of  tumor, 
etc.,  which  being  pressed  upon  by  the  collar  causes  considerable 
l^ain. 

Treatment. — If  the  sore  is  on  the  top  of  the  neck,  clip  the 
hair  closely  and  have  the  sore  washed  every  morning  thoroughly 
with  castile  soap  and  water  and  apply  Dr.  LeGear's  Healing  Lo- 
tion (see  Appendix)  two  or  three  times  per  day.  This  is  without 
doubt  the  finest  preparation  ever  used  for  collar  galls  and  saddle 
galls.  It  will  heal  the  sore  and  let  the  horse  work  every  day. 
Apply  the  Healing  Lotion  every  morning  after  washing  the  sore, 
and  on  coming  in  at  noon  or  night  bathe  the  sore  with  a  little 
cold  water  and  apply  the  Healing  Lotion.  Keep  the  collar 
scraped  perfectly  clean.  If  the  collar  is  too  small  or  too  large, 
change  it  and  put  on  one  that  fits  well. 

SADDLE  GALLS. 

Saddle  galls  are  similar  to  collar  galls,  only  they  have  a  dif- 
ferent situation  and  are  caused  by  badly  fitted  saddles,  etc.,  and 
are  more  common  in  hot  weather. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  195 

Treatment. — Tlie  treatment  of  saddle  galls  is  precisely  the 
same  as  that  given  for  collar  galls,  which  see. 

SITFASTS. 

Sitfasts  are  horn-like  sloughs  of  limited  portions  of  the  skin, 
the  result  of  pressure  by  badly  fitting  saddles,  collars,  harness, 
etc.  They  are  most  common  under  the  saddle,  but  may  be 
found  under  collar  or  breeching,  as  well.  The  sitfast  is  a  piece 
of  dead  tissue  which  would  be  thrown  off  but  for  its  firm  con- 
nection with  the  healthy  tissue  beneath. 

Treatment. — By  laying  a  horse  off  work  for  a  few  weeks  a  sit- 
fast  will  generally  heal  up  quite  smoothly,  but  when  put  to  work 
again  it  breaks  out  as  bad,  if  not  worse,  than  it  was  at  first. 
There  is  a  callous  piece  of  dead  skin  that  must  be  removed,  and 
the  only  way  to  do  that  successfully  is  to  thorousrhly  dissect  it 
out.  Split  the  skin  and  dissect  out  all  the  diseased  tissue  from 
under  the  healthy  skin,  and  put  in  two  or  three  stitches  if  neces- 
vsary.  Then  have  it  well  washed  every  day  with  soap  and  water 
to  remove  all  matter  and  scabs,  and  apply  a  little  of  our  Healing 
Lotion  (see  Appendix)  twice  a  day.  The  Healing  Lotion  will 
heal  it  rapidly  and  toughen  the  skin,  and  thus  prevent  it  from 
breaking  out  again  when  the  animal  is  put  to  work.  A  long  rest 
of  two  or  three  months  should  be  given  after  a  sitfast  is  cut  out 
before  a  horse  is  rode  again. 

KIDNEY-SORES. 

Kidney-sores  are  of  the  same  nature  as  sitfasts,  but  are  located 
back  on  the  loins  over  the  kidneys.  They  are  caused  by  badly 
fitting  saddles  and  require  exactly  the  same  treatment  as  sitfasts, 
which  see. 


196  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


POLL  EVIL. 

Poll  evil  is  similar  to  fistula,  only  in  a  different  location — on 
the  poll  just  back  of  the  ears.  It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  parts 
named,  and  pus  may  burrow  down  between  the  muscles  until  it 
reaches  and  causes  disease  of  the  bones. 

Causes. — The  cause  is  an  injury  of  some  kind,  as  blows,  the 
horse  striking  his  iiead  while  passing  through  a  low  doorway, 
and  the  wearing  of  badly  fitting  halters  and  bridles.  It  is  also 
said  to  be  caused  by  too  tight  reining. 

Symptoms. — The  heat,  pain,  and  swelling  of  the  parts  soon 
follow  the  injury,  whatever  kind  it  may  be.  Swelling  continues, 
an  abscess  forms,  and  pus  is  discharged,  at  which  time  the  swell- 
ing goes  down.  Pipes  are  formed,  which  may  extend  in  all  direc- 
tions, and  the  poll  soon  becomes  one  mass  of  disease.  The  animal 
protrudes  his  head,  and  on  handling  the  inflamed  parts  pain  is 
manifested.  In  some  cases  the  swelling  is  so  slight  as  to  be  over- 
looked, especially  in  those  cases  where  the  mane  hides  the  dis- 
eased parts. 

Treatment.  —  As  poll  evil  is  the  same  kind  of  a  disease  as 
fistula,  only  situated  in  a  different  place,  it  requires  the  same 
kind  of  treatment  as  recommended  for  fistula,  which  see. 

FISTULA. 

A  fistula  really  means  a  pipe  or  duct  which  leads  from  a  cavity 
to  the  surface  of  the  body,  through  which  a  discharge  is  con- 
stantly taking  place.  A  fistula  may  then  exist  at  any  part,  but 
it  is  commonly  understood  to  mean  a  diseased  condition  of  the 
withers.     In  this  article  it  means  disease  of  the  withers. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  197 

Caiises. — ^Fistulous  withers  are  seen  mostly  in  those  horses  that 
have  thick  necks  and  in  those  that  are  high  in  the  withers;  or 

among  saddle  horses  that  are  very  low  on  the  withers,  the  sad- 
dle moving  forward  and  bruising  the  parts.  It  is  often 
caused  by  badly  fitted  collars  or  saddles,  by  direct  injury  from 
blows,  and  the  horse  rolling  upon  rough  or  sharp  stones.  At 
first  there  may  be  only  a  simple  abscess,  or  an  ulcer  of  the  skin^ 
which  if  not  properly  treated  may  become  fistula.  In  such  cases 
the  pus  burrows  and  finds  lodgment  deep  down  among  the  mus- 
cles, which  makes  it  very  difficult  for  the  matter  to  escape. 

Symptoms. — About  the  first  thing  noticed  is  a  swelling  on  one 
or  both  sides  of  the  withers,  which  is  hot  and  painful  and  rapidly 
enlarging.  If  the  matter  which  has  formed  in  this  cavity  does 
not  get  out  by  natural  or  other  means,  it  dries  up  and  becomes 
hard  and  forms  a  kind  of  tumor  which  gradually  develops  into 
a  fibrous  nature. 

Treatment. — This  is  a  very  common  disease  of  the  horse  in 
Texas,  and  is  in  most  cases  very  hard  to  cure.  If  taken  when 
first  coming  on  it  may  be  driven  away  by  applying  some  good 
penetrating  blister,  as  Dr.  LeGear's  Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix) 
well  rubbed  in.  After  some  standing  the  only  treatment  to  pur- 
sue successfully  is  to  thoroughly  open  up  the  enlargement  and 
cut  out  what  diseased  tlesh  you  can,  and  give  free  drainage  to  the 
pus  by  opening  the  sore  low  down.  If  the  bone  is  diseased  it 
should  be  scraped  and  all  diseased  portions  removed.  The  cavi- 
ties should  be  injected  with  turpentine  every  three  or  four  days 
to  destroy  any  unhealthy  tissue  that  is  left.'  Grease  the  horse's 
shoulders  under  the  sore  well  with  lard  just  before  putting  in 
the  turpentine,  so  as  to  keep  the  turpentine  from  burning  him. 
If  the  holes  you  have  made  have  a  tendency  to  close,  you  can 
keep  them  open  by  inserting  a  seton  of  domestic  or  linen  cloth. 
The  wound  should  be  washed  well  every  morning  with  soap  and 


198  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

water  and  one  of  the  following  lotions  injected  well  into  the  sore 
€very  morning  except  when  the  turpentine  is  used: 

Corrosive  sublimate 10  grains. 

Alcohol 1  ounce. 

Watsr 7  ounces. 

Mix. 

Or—  i 

Creolin 1  dram. 

Water 8  ounces. 

Mix. 

Or  use  Dr.  LeGear's  Healing  Lotion.  If  in  the  summer  time, 
jou  can  keep  the  flies  away  by  using  Dr.  LeGear's  Screw  Worm 
Powder.     (See  Appendix.) 

CEOOKED  TAIL. 

Horses  are  occasionally  seen  that  carry  their  tails  to  one  side 
when  traveling,  but  when  standing  the  tail  generally  hangs 
straight.  They  are  either  born  that  way  or  do  it  from  habit. 
It  is  very  annoying  to  the  owner  of  the  horse  if  he  uses  it  for 
single  driving.  It  is  not  objectionable  as  a  general  rule  in  a 
farm  horse,  but  looks  bad  in  a  driving  horse. 

Treatment. — As  a  general  rule  the  tail  can  be  straightened  by 
cutting  in  two  one  of  the  muscles  at  the  side  to  which  the  tail 
crooks.  The  muscle  on  that  side  is  shorter  than  the  one  on  the 
opposite  side.  The  place  of  operation  is  a  few  inches  from  the 
root  of  the  tail.  An  incision  is  made  through  the  skin  and  the 
muscle  cut  in  two.  The  tail  is  then  fastened  around  to  the  other 
side  to  allow  a  division  to  sfrow  in  between  the  divided  ends  of 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  19^ 

the  muscle.  The  tail  is  kept  tied  around  to  the  side  for  eight 
or  ten  days.  The  wound  should  be  washed  and  dressed  every 
day  and  a  bandage  applied.  Use  our  Healing  Lotion  as  a  dress- 
ing to  heal  the  sore.  If  the  muscle  that  is  too  short  is  fully  devel- 
oped, the  tail  can  as  a  general  thing  be  straightened;  but  if  the 
muscle  is  not  developed  fully,  a  cure  is  hopeless. 


Fig.  38.    Hand-CUppers. 

CLIPPING  HORSES. 

This  is  practiced  to  a  considerable  extent  in  some  parts  of  this 
country  during  the  winter  and  spring,  when  horses'  hair  is  heavy, 
thick  and  long.  The  points  in  favor  of  clipping  are  that  a  horse 
will  drive  easier  and  freer  and  is  not  so  liable  to  take  cold  as 
when  they  have  such  a  heavy  coat  of  hair.  When  a  horse  witii 
very  long,  heavy  hair  becomes  warmed  up  and  sweaty,  it  takes 
liim  a  long  time  to  dry  off;  while  a  horse  with  short  hair  will  dry 
off  in  a  few  minutes.  To  make  a  universal  practice  of  clipping 
horses,  we  would  condemn  it,  but  in  certain  cases  it  is 
all  right.  Nature  grows  the  thick,  long  coat  of  hair  on  a  horse 
as  a  protection  against  the  cold;  therefore  if  we  remove  it,  we 
must  provide  an  artificial  protection  during  the  cold  weather 
while  the  horse  is  not  driving.  A  blanket  should  be  carried  to 
put  over  the  horse  while  standing  in  the  street  if  the  air  is  cold 
or  chilly;  and  one  is  to  be  worn  in  the  stable  during  the  cold 


^00 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


weather  if  the  stable  is  not  extra  warm.  To  clip  a  horse  and  let 
him  stand  out  in  the  cold  without  any  protection,  is  ti  cruel  prac- 
tice. Some  horses,  generally  those  that  are  well  bred,  have 
naturally  short,  fine  hair  and  never  need  clipping.  As  a  general 
i:hing,  if  a  horse  has  a  warm  stable  for  winter  and  is  well  groomed 
once  or  twice  a  day,  the  coat  will  not  grow  so  long  that  it  will 
need  clipping.  In  some  of  the  large  stables  in  the  cities  they 
have  clipping  ir^chines  run  by  motor  power,  which  can  clip  a 
horse  in  a  few  minutes,  but  it  is  generally  done  by  the  use  of 
the  hand  clipper.     (Fig.  38.) 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  201 

CHAPTER  XIV. 
PARTURITION,  OR  FOALING. 

The  period  of  gestation  in  the  mare  is  usually  about  eleven 
months,  although  it  may  vary  from  ten  to  thirteen  months.  As 
a  general  thing,  horse  colts  are  carried  a  few  days  longer  than 
fillies,  and  as  a  rule  an  old  mare  will  carry  her  foal  longer  than 
a  young  mare.  The  period  of  pregnancy  with  the  cow  is  about 
nine  months;  the  sheep  and  goat  about  five  months;  the  sow  four 
months;  the  bitch  two  months;  and  the  cat  on  an  average  of  eight 
weeks. 

SIGNS    OF   PREGNANCY. 

As  a  rule,  when  a  mare  conceives,  heat  or  the  desire  for  the 
male  is  no  longer  observed,  and  when  brought  in  the  presence 
of  a  stallion  she  is  generally  unusually  vicious.  She  becomes  of 
a  more  quiet  disposition,  especially  noticeable  in  nervous,  vicious 
mares.  An  increase  of  fat,  \vith  softness  and  flabbiness  of  mus- 
cle, a  loss  of  energy,  indisposition  for  active  work,  and  manifesta- 
tions of  laziness  are  pretty  good  signs  of  pregnancy.  The  belly 
gradually  enlarges  and  the  udder  increases  in  size  as  gestation 
advances.  The  vulva  becomes  swollen  and  the  muscles  on  the 
hips  sag  down  and  the  flanks  get  hollow.  Milk  forms  in  the  ud- 
der, and  a  good  sign  of  foaling  time  is  the  formation  of  a  wax-like 
substance  on  the  ends  of  the  teats  two  or  four  days  before.  The 
foal  can  generally  be  made  to  kick  by  giving  the  mare  a  drink  of 
cold  water.  It  may  also  be  felt  or  seen  kicking  while  the  mare  is 
eating  as  well  as  drinking.  There  may  also  be  a  flow  of  mucus 
from  the  vulva  for  a  day  or  two  before  parturition.    The  animal 


202  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

may  show  slight  uneasiness  and  abdominal  pain  for  a  day  or  two 
before  foaling. 

NATURAL    PRESENTATIONS. 

As  a  rule,  foaling  is  easily  and  quickly  done  in  the  mare,  it 
requiring  usually  not  more  than  ten  or  twenty  minutes.  If  labor 
is  continued  any  length  of  time  the  colt  usually  dies;  while  with 
the  cow  it  may  last  one  or  two  days  and  the  calf  live.  When  the 
time  comes  she  becomes  uneasy,  getting  up  and  down  frequently. 
Presently  true  labor  pains  begin,  the  womb  contracts  on  its  con- 
tents, assisted  by  the  diaphram  and  abdomimil  muscles;  and  the 
whole  body  becomes  convulsed  with  the  effort.  The  mouth  of 
the  womb  becomes  dilated,  and  the  water  bag  appears  and  bursts, 
and  a  few  efforts  forces  it  out.  If  the  head  of  the  unborn  is  cov- 
ered with  membranes,  they  should  be  removd  at  once,  and  if  the 
cord  is  large  and  strong  it  should  be  tied  with  a  string  about 
three  inches  from  the  navel  and  then  cut  off  an  inch  below  that. 
If  the  cord  breaks  oft'  close  and  there  is  a  leakage  from  the  navol 
it  should  be  sewed  up  as  soon  as  possible. 

The  natural  presentation  is  for  the  front  feet  to  come  first, 
with  the  head  on  top  of  or  between  the  knees,  as  seen  in  Figure 

1,  Plate.  IV.,  or  the  hind  feet  may  come  first,  as  in  Figure 

2,  Plate  IV.  In  some  cases  the  mouth  of  the  w^omb  is  rigid  and 
doesn't  open  sufficiently  to  allow  the  passage  of  the  foal.  In 
such  cases  it  may  be  dilated  by  the  hand  or  by  smearing  the  parts 
wit-h  extract  of  belladonna. 

UNNATURAL    PRESENTATIONS. 

There  are  a  great  many  unnatural  presentations,  and  it  will 
take  too  much  space  to  describe  them  all  here;  therefore  we  will 
try  and  make  plain  a  few  of  the  more  common  ones.  Considering 
the  immense  number  of  mares  in  a  breeding  district  that  will 


Plate  IV.    NATURAL  PRESENTATIONS  IN  THE  MARE. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  203 

give  birtli  to  a  foal  every  year,  this  trouble  is  very  rare,  but  is 
more  frequent  in  cows.  A  common  presentation  is  that  in  which 
the  head  of  the  foetus  is  presented  in  a  proper  manner  with  the 
fore  limbs  turned  backward.  (Figs.  1  and  2,  Plate  X.,  as  seen  in 
unnatural  presentations  in  the  cow.)  In  all  cases,  before  making 
an  examination,  the  operator  should  prepare  himself  by  taking  off 
his  coat  and  vest,  shirt  and  undershirt,  so  as  to  have  free  use  of 
the  bare  arms.  Get  your  hand  and  arm  warm  and  clean  by 
washing  well  in  warm  water  and  soap,  and  lubricate  them  well 
with  sweet  oil.  If  after  examination  you  should  find  the  trouble 
to  be  as  just  mentioned  above,  the  head  should  be  pushed  back 
to  allow  the  hand  to  pass  into  the  womb  and  grasp  the  ankles 
of  the  front  feet,  which  may  be  brought  forward,  and  as  a  rule 
delivery  is  then  easily  done.  In  some  cases  it  may  be  necessary 
to  pass  a  small  cotton  rope  around  the  ankles  to  help  pull  them 
into  position.  After  once  in  proper  position,  gentle  pulling  can 
be  done  to  aid  the  mare  in  delivering  the  foal.  It  is  best  to  pull 
when  labor  pains  are  on. 

Presentation  of  the  front  legs  with  the  head  turned  back  is  a 
very  bad  one,  and  often  requires  a  great  deal  of  work  to  get  the 
foal  in  the  proper  position.  (Figs.  4  and  5,  Plate  X.)  Push 
back  on  the  feet  and  tiy  and  grasp  the  underjaw  with  your  hand, 
when  the  head  may  be  brought  into  the  proper  position  and  de- 
livery made  easy.  It  may  be  well  to  fasten  a  cotton  rope  around 
each  foot  and  then  try  and  loop  another  rope  around  the  lower 
jaw.  When  you  have  the  rope  fastened  to  the  lower  jaw,  push 
back  on  the  feet  and  pull  gently  on  the  jaw,  and  in  this  way  you 
may  succeed  in  bringing  the  head  into  the  natural  presentatiou. 

Sometimes  the  foal  is  found  lying  on  its  back,  and  only  the 
ears  and  back  of  its  head  can  be  felt.  (Fig.  6,  Plate  X.)  In  a 
case  of  this  kind  every  effort  should  be  made  to  turn  the  foal  on 
its  belly,  and  by  securing  the  front  feet  delivery  may  be  made. 

Breech  ])resentation,  or  presentation  of  the  hind  quarters,  is 
14 


204  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

one  in  which  delivery  is  very  frequently  rendered  impossible,  or 
can  be  made  only  with  the  greatest  difficulty.  We  have  had  cases 
of  this  kind  in  large  mares,  where  we  have  worked  six  hours  or 
more  before  delivering  the  foal,  and  in  some  cases  delivery  is  im- 
possible ^vithout  cutting  up  the  foal  and  taking  it  away  in  pieces. 
You  must  try  and  push  the  colt  forward,  and  either  try  to  turn  it 
around  or  get  hold  of  the  hind  feet,  and  get  them  in  the  passage, 
and  then  delivery  may  be  effected  quite  easily.  After  the  mare 
has  been  trying  to  foal  for  two  or  three  hours,  the  colt  will  as  a 
general  thing  be  dead;  so  now  every  effort  should  be  made  to  save 
the  mare  by  getting  the  colt  away  as  best  you  can.  A  ])air  of  partu- 


Fig.  39.    Haussmann's  Obstetrical  Shears. 


rition  shears  (Fig.  39)  are  very  useful  in  cases  of  thi.s  kind.  By 
pushing  the  foal  forward  you  can  then  loop  a  rope  around  the 
hind  legs  above  the  hocks  and  straighten  them  back  into  a  hori- 
zontal position.  Then  insert  your  parturition  shears  and  cut  off 
the  legs  above  the  hocks  as  far  up  as  possible;  then  the  foal  may 
be  delivered.  The  jaws  of  these  shears  can  be  opened  and  closed 
by  turning  the  lever  at  the  end  of  the  handle. 

Occasionally  there  may  be  one  fore-limb  and  one  hind-hmb 
presented.  In  such  cases  great  care  should  be  taken  not  to  pull 
on  these  two  limbs,  as  it  would  be  impossible  to  deliver  the  foal 
in  this  way.  After  making  an  examination  and  you  decide  to 
bring  the  colt  away  backwards,  push  the  front  leg  back  into  the 
womb  and  secure  the  other  hind  leg,  and  then  the  foal  may  be 
delivered;  or  vice  versa. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  205 

Back  presentation  is  one  of  the  most  difficult  of  all  unnatural 
presentations  to  deliver.  Every  effort  should  be  made  to  turn 
the  foal  into  its  proper  position. 

In  twins,  one  foal  should  come  with  the  front  feet  and  head 
first,  while  the  other  should  come  backwards. 

Occasionally  a  case  is  met 

with  in  which  there  is  a  large 
accumulation  of  water  on  the 
brain,  making  it  impossible  for 
the  head  to  come  through  the 
channel.     In  such  a  case  the 

Fig.  40.    EnTbryotomy  Knife.  ^kull   may   be   CUt  iuto   with   a 

knife,  as  in  Fig.  40,  and  the 
water  allowed  to  escape,  when,  as  a  general  thing,  deliver}^  may 
be  effected.  There  may  be  a  large  accumulation  of  water  in  the 
abdominal  cavity  (belly.)  This  can  be  punctured,  and  then  de- 
livery effected. 

Monstrosities  are  sometimes  found.  A  monstrosity  is  a  de- 
formed foetus  (young  animal),  and  it  is  sometimes  of  such  a 
shape  and  size  as  to  make  delivery  impossible  without  dissecting 
and  removing  it  in  pieces. 

AFTER-TREATMENT   OF   THE   MARE. 

In  all  severe  cases  of  delivery  the  mare  should  have  special 
care  for  some  time  afterwards.  If  she  is  weak,  and  there  is  dan- 
ger of  inflammation  setting  in,  give  a  drench  of  the  following: 

Laudanum 1^  ounces. 

Sweet  nitre 2     ounces. 

Whisky 4     ounces. 

Water J  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  every  four  hours 
until  you  have  given  three  doses;  then  leave  off  the  laud- 
anum and  repeat  the  sweet  nitre  until  the  animal  is 
stronger. 


206  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Inject  into  the  womb  with  a  large  syringe  or  injection  pump 
(Fig.  13,  p.  70)  one  or  two  gallons  of  warm  water,  into  which  put 
1  teaspoon  of  carbolic  acid  to  each  gallon  of  water.  If  necessary, 
repeat  the  injections  every  morning  for  three  or  four  days.  Give 
her  all  the  fresh  water  she  will  drink,  and  soft,  easily  digested 
food  to  eat. 

RETENTION    OF    THE    PLACENTA     (aFTERBTRTH). 

This  is  of  rare  occurrence  in  the  mare,  but  is  very  common 
among  cows.  It  is  never  advisable  to  remove  the  afterbirth  im- 
mediately after  delivery,  as  serious  results  are  liable  to  follow. 
If  it  is  allowed  to  remain  twenty-four  hours  it  may  come  away  '.f 
itself.  In  the  cow  the  placenta  is  attached  to  the  womb  by  means 
of  sixty  or  seventy  small  round  fleshy  bodies  called  cotyledons; 
while  in  the  mare  the  attachment  is  by  small  villi.  If  the  after- 
birth remains  in  longer  than  twenty-four  hours  it  should  be  re- 
moved, as  decay  will  set  in,  and  the  animal  is  very  liable  to  take 
blood  poisoning  from  it.  We  advise  its  removal  with  the  hand, 
where  there  is  any  one  who  understands  how  to  remove  it.  Great 
care  should  be  taken  not  to  injure  the  womb  and  cause  bleeding. 
The  bare  hand  and  arm  should  be  oiled  and  gently  inserted;  and 
in  the  cow  the  afterbirth  should  be  carefully  unbuttoned,  as  it 
were,  from  each  cotyledon,  great  care  being  taken  not  to  pull  off 
the  cotyledons  themselves.  In  the  mare  it  can  be  gently  sepa- 
rated from  all  its  attached  portions  and  removed.  After  remov- 
ing the  afterbirth  wash  out  the  womb  well  with  water  and  car- 
bolic acid  as  recommended  above.  If  the  afterbirth  has  started 
to  decay  and  smells  bad,  the  operator  should  oil  his  arm  well  with 
sweet  oil  4  ounces  and  carbolic  acid  2  drams,  to  prevent  taking 
blood  poison.  The  hand  should  never  be  inserted  in  cases  of 
this  kind  if  it  has  any  sores  on  it.  Sometimes  the  afterbirth  may 
be  brought  away  by  giving  the  cow  1  ounce  of  ergot  as  a  drench 
every  four  hours,  until  two  or  three  doses  have  been  given. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  207 

hemorrhage  after  delivery. 

Very  profuse  bleeding  sometimes  takes  place  after  delivery  in 
both  the  mare  and  the  cow,  due  to  rupture  of  some  blood  vessel 
in  the  womb.  This  may  be  checked  by  applying  cold  water  and 
ice  to  the  loins  and  cleaning  out  the  blood  clots  and  injecting 
into  the  womb  a  strong  solution  of  tincture  of  iron.  The  womb 
may  be  packed  full  of  cloths  wrung  out  of  cold  water.  Also  may 
give  1  ounce  of  ergot  of  rye. 

INVERSION    OF    THE    WOMB. 

This  is  a  turning  inside-out  of  the  womb,  generally  due  to  dif- 
ficult delivery,  and  of  violent  straining  by  the  animal  due  to 
^fter-pains.  It  is  more  common  among  cows,  and  may  take  place 
immediately  after  calving  or  not  until  twenty-four  hours  or 
more.  The  womb  protrudes  from  the  vulva  sometimes  as  large 
as  a  water  bucket,  and  the  animal  in  lying  down  gets  the  parts  all 
dirty  and  filthy. 

Treatment. — The  animal  should  be  made  to  rise  and  stand  in  a 
position  so  that  the  hind  quarters  are  8  or  12  inches  higher 
than  the  front  parts.  The  womb,  if  dirty,  should  be  nicely 
washed  with  warm  water  and  a  little  carbolic  acid  and  gently  re- 
turned to  its  place,  which  in  some  cases  is  found  very  difficult. 
If  the  animal  has  a  tendency  to  strain  after  the  womb  is  returned, 
it  may  be  quieted  by  giving  1  ounce  of  laudanum  in  1  pint  of 
water  as  a  drench  every  two  hours.  In  some  cases  it  is  found  very 
hard  to  keep  the  animal  from  forcing  th&  womb  out  again. 
Keep  the  animal  standing  or  lying  with  her  head  down  hill,  and 
a  truss  may  be  applied  to  keep  the  womb  from  coming  out.  The 
most  convenient  truss  for  a  cow  we  have  used  is  made  from  a 
piece  of  small  cotton  rope  about  twenty  feet  long.  Tie  a  loop 
in  the  center  of  the  rope  large  enough  to  go  over  her  head  and 


208  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

back  on  the  neck.  Pass  the  ends  of  the  rope  between  the  fore 
legs,  and  bring  one  up  on  each  side  and  make  a  single  tie  over 
the  loins;  then  pass  it  back  and  make  another  single  tie  right 
under  the  tail,  and  another  over  the  vulva;  then  pass  the  ends  of 
the  rope  between  the  hind  legs,  one  on  each  side  of  the  bai^. 
Then  bring  them  up  on  each  side  of  the  body  and  tie  them  to  the 
ropes  that  pass  along  her  sides.  Keep  this  moderately  tight  for  a 
day  or  two.  If  the  womb  has  been  out  for  two  or  three  days  and 
is  partly  decayed,  it  will  have  to  be  removed.  This  is  not  success- 
ful in  the  mare,  but  is  quite  so  with  the  cow.  It  can  be  removed 
with  the  ecrasure,  which  is  the  best  and  safest  means  of  cutting 
it  off.  It  may  be  cut  off  with  a  knife,  and  the  arteries  tied  to 
stop  the  bleeding. 

INFLAMMATION   OF   THE    WOMB. 

This  is  a  very  serious  condition,  and  when  the  womb  is  in- 
flamed to  any  great  extent,  is  invariably  fatal.  It  is  caused  by 
difficult  delivery,  injuries  to  the  womb,  exposure  to  cold  and 
wet,  and  from  the  irritant  action  of  putrid  products  within  the 
womb. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  stiff,  slow  gait,  an  arched  back,  dml- 
ness,  uneasiness  with  lifting  of  the  hind  feet,  indicating  pain,  a 
discharge  from  the  vulva  of  a  watery  nature  at  first,  then  becomes 
reddish  or  yellowish,  and  foetid  in  character.  By  pressing  the 
animal's  sides  there  is  pain  shown. 

Treatment. — Great  pains  should  be  taken  that  the  womb  be 
thoroughly  washed  out  with  warm  water  and  carbolic  acid  or 
warm  water  and  corrosive  sublimate;  1  part  to  200  may  be  used 
with  benefit.  Syringe  the  womb  out  thoroughly  every  day.  Give 
internally  the  following: 


Dr.  LeUear's  Stock  Book.  209 

Laudanuiu 1^  ounces. 

Tr.  aconite   20  drops. 

Alcohol 3  ounces 

Water J  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench  every  four  hours  until  three 
or  four  doses  are  given. 

Keep  the  animal  in  a  comfortable  place  and  give  what  water 
and  food  she  will  take.  If  a  cow,  you  may  give  half  a  pound 
of  Epsom  salts,  and  repeat  in  twelve  hours.  If  a  mare,  give  half 
a  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil.  This  is  a  very  serious  disease,  and  most 
cjifies  will  die. 

LEUCORRHOEA,    OR    WHITES. 

This  is  a  white,  glutinous,  chronic  discharge  from  the  womb. 
It  is  generally  due  to  a  continued  sub-acute  inflammation  of  the 
mucus  membrane  of  the  womb. 

Treatment. — Wash  out  the  womb  with  warm  water,  and  then 
inject  the  following: 

Sulphate  of  zinc  6  drams. 

Acetate  of  lead  1  ounce. 

Water 1  quart. 

Repeat  this  twice  a  day  for  several  days.  Or  a  solution  as  fol- 
lows may  be  injected: 

Permanganate  of  potash 2  ounces. 

Water 1  gallon. 

Give  the  following: 


210  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Sulpliato  of  iron 2     ounces. 

Powdered  mix  vomica H  ounces. 

Gentian   3     ounces. 

Mix  into  twelve  powders,  and  give  one  ])owder  night 
and  morning  in  damp  feed. 

ABORTION. 

Abortion  is  the  expulsion  of  the  young  animal  at  any  period 
from  the  date  of  impregnation  until  the  animal  can  live  out  of 
the  womb.  Abortion  is  quite  a  common  occurrence  among 
mares,  but  still  more  prevalent  among  cows.  There  is  one  form 
of  abortion  that  is  contagious,  and  it  causes  immense  losses  to 
breeders  in  certain  sections  of  the  country. 

Causes. — Abortion  may  be  caused  by  rapid  driving  or  riding, 
blows  on  the  abdomen,  drinking  a  quantity  of  cold  water,  excite- 
ment, or  fright,  etc.  Slipping,  falling,  bleeding  an  animal,  or 
inflammation  of  any  of  the  internal  organs,  as  the  lungs,  kidneys, 
liver,  bowels,  etc.,  may  tend  to  cause  miscarriage.  Giving  strong 
doses  of  physic,  or  for  the  animals  to  eat  certain  kinds  of  irri- 
tant foods  and  grasses,  such  as  ergot  of  rye,  etc.,  will  have  a  ten- 
dency to  cause  the  trouble.  In  the  contagious  form  it  is  caused 
by  a  certain  germ  gaining  access  to  the  animal's  system,  and 
exciting  the  womb  to  contractions  and  abortion. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  vary  greatly  according  to  whether 
the  abortion  takes  place  earl}^  or  late  in  pregnancy.  If  it  takes 
])lace  during  the  first  two  or  three  months  there  are  generally 
very  little  symptoms  to  be  observed, and  frequently  an  animal  will 
abort  and  be  in  heat  before  the  owner  is  aware  that  anything 
has  happened.  I^ater  in  pregnancy  it  may  be  very  dangerous  co 
the  animal  for  miscarriage  to  take  place.  The  animalwill  often 
become  very  sick,  with  severe  straining  and  much   uneasiness. 


Dr.  LeG  ear's  Stock  Book.  .  211 

There  is  often  swelling  of  the  vulva  with  a  mucus  or  bloody  dis- 
charge. There  will  be  all  the  symptoms  of  parturition,  and  un- 
less the  young  is  in  a  natural  presentation,  it  will  have  to  be  rec- 
tified before  delivery  can  be  affected.  Abortion  may  also  be  fol- 
lowed by  retention  of  the  afterbirth,  bleeding,  etc.,  as  in  parturi- 
tion. 

Treatment  and  Prevention. — Both  in  the  pregnant  mare  and 
cow  all  treatment  and  usage  that  is  liable  to  cause  abortion 
should  be  abandoned;  for  if  an  animal  is  caused  to  abort,  from 
whatever  cause,  it  is  very  liable  to  abort  again  the  next  season. 
If  the  symptoms  of  abortion  are  noticed  coming  on,  the  animal 
should  be  removed  from  all  other  pregnant  animals:  and  if  there 
is  much  pain  it  should  be  quieted  by  giving  one  or  two  ounces  of 
laudanum  as  a  drench.  Black-haw  in  1 -ounce  doses  may  prevent 
the  impending  abortion.  Keep  the  animal  perfectly  quiet  and 
give  the  very  best  of  care.  If  miscarriage  takes  place,  the  ani- 
mal, especially  if  it  be  a  cow,  should  be  at  once  removed  from  all 
pregnant  cows,  and  every  trace  of  the  calf,  afterbirth,  etc.,  re- 
moved and  burned  or  buried  deeply.  Wash  out  the  womb  with 
warm  water  containing  half  an  ounce  of  carbolic  acid  to  the 
gallon.  Keep  her  away  from  the  other  pregnant  animals  until 
all  discharges  from  the  vulva  cease,  which  will  be  from  eight  to 
twelve  days.  If  a  cow  that  has  aborted  is  let  remain  with  the 
other  cows,  they  are  very  liable  to  abort  also.  If  the  afterbirth 
does  not  come  away  with  the  foetus,  it  should  be  removed  and 
destroyed.  Cases  are  on  record  where  contagious  abortion  has 
caused  nearly  all  the  pregnant  animals  on  a  farm  or  ranch  to 
abort. 

STERILITY,  OR  BAKliENNESS. 

This  is  a  condition  that  may  be  found  in  all  animals,  both  male 
and  female.     A  very  common  cause  in  cattle  is  breeding  too 


212  .  Dr.  LeGeab's  Stock  Book. 

young  and  inbreeding  too  closely,  whioli  naturally  weakens  the 
constitution  and  causes  barrenness.  Jerseys  have  especially  been 
injured  in  this  way.  Sterility  in  the  stallion  is  often  due  to  one 
or  both  testicles  failing  to  conio  down  into  the  scrotum  (bag). 
The  testicles  that  haven't  come  down  are  seldom  developed  suffi- 
ciently to  secrete  the  semen.  Therefore  *it  is  quite  safe  to  say 
that  ridglings  arc  barren  as  a  general  thing.  Inflammation  of 
the  testicles,  resulting  in  a  hardened  condition  of  the  same,  may 
be  a  cause  of  barrenness;  or  fatty  degeneration  of  the  testicles. 
Any  disease  that  weakens  the  system  or  makes  it  painful  for  the 
stalhon  or  bull  to  mount,  may  be  a  cause  of  sterility.  Occasion- 
ally there  is  a  local  paralysis  or  weakness  in  connection  with  the 
penis  which  makes  it  impossible  for  the  animal  to  protrude  his 
penis  far  enough  for  service.  Cows  and  mares  may  be  too  fat  to 
breed;  also  the  opposite  condition  may  be  present.  There  may 
be  an  imperfect  development  of  the  ovaries,  cysts  or  other  tumors 
of  the  ovary.  A  chronic  inflammation  of  the  vagina  and  womb, 
as  whites,  etc.,  may  cause  barrenness.  Another  very  common 
cause  of  this  trouble  in  the  mare  is  the  closure  of  the  neck  of  the 
womb.  This  can  be  remedied  by  introducing  the  hand  and 
gradually  dilating  the  parts  with  the  fingers.  Cows  and  mares 
used  for  breeding  purposes  shouldn't  be  overfed  nor  underfed, 
but  fed  moderately  and  well  cared  for.  They  should  be  free 
from  all  diseases  and  blemishes,  and  of  strong  mature  age — not 
too  old  nor  too  young. 

excp:ss  of  veneral  desire. 

This  is  seen  both  in  mares  and  cows,  and  is  very  troublesome 
to  the  animal  and  very  annoying  to  the  owner.  It  is  seen  more 
frequently  in  cows,  and  they  are  called  "perpetual  bullers."  It 
may  be  caused  by  certain  strong,  stimulating  kinds  of  food,  but 
it  is  more  frequently  caused  by  irritation  in  some  portion  of  the 
generative  organs.     Disease  of  the  ovaries  is  the  most  common 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  2 IS 

cause,  as  it  excites  the  sexual  desire  and  causes  the  animal  to 
seek  the  male  continually.  It  may  be  due  to  tumors  in  the 
vagina  or  womb,  and  if  they  do  become  pregnant  they  generally 
abort.  The  animal  is  generally  so  irritable  and  restless  that  it 
falls  off  in  flesh  and  is  a  source  of  annoyance  to  the  whole  herd. 

Treatment. — If  it  is  due  to  disease  of  the  ovaries,  remove  them 
by  spaying  the  animal,  and  the  trouble  will  cease.  If  due  to  an 
inflamed  or  irritated  womb  or  vagina,  that  may  be  relieved  by  in- 
jections of  water  containing  a  little  carbolic  acid.  As  it  is  in- 
curable in  a  great  many  cases,  it  may  be  well  to  get  rid  of  the 
animal,  as  they  are  not  desirable  property  to  have  about. 


214  Dr.  LeGeab's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  XV. 
CASTRATION  OF  STALLIONS. 

The  proper  age  usually  for  castrating  colts  is  about  one  year 
old,  but  it  may  be  perfomed  at  a  few  months  old,  or  several  years 
old.  Taking  everything  into  consideration,  we  believe  at  one 
year  old  is  the  best  time  for  castration,  provided  the  colt  is  in 
good  health  and  his  testicles  are  down.  About  the  best  time 
for  castration  is  during  March  and  April  and  October  and  No- 
vember. It  is  not  advisable  to  castrate  during  the  summer,  as 
the  flies  are  too  bad  and  the  weather  too  hot.  Any  time  during 
the  winter  does  very  well,  if  a  norther  doesn't  blow  up  in  a  day  or 
two  after  the  operation;  but  if  a  warm  stable  is  to  be  had,  there  is 
no  danger  from  the  cold.  As  far  as  the  "signs"  of  the  moon  are 
concerned,  that  is  all  bosh.  It  is  an  old  grandmother  idea,  and 
very  hard  to  get  out  of  some  men's  heads.  Have  your  colts  in 
good  condition  and  the  weather  right,  and  that  is  all  the  "signs" 
jou  need;  and  then  if  the  operation  is  properly  performed  your 
colts  will  do  all  right.  Castrating  old  stallions  is  more  danger- 
ous than  young  colts,  but  if  they  are  in  good  health,  with  clean 
surroundings,  and  the  operation  properly  performed,  there  is 
no  danger  whatever  to  be  feared. 

There  are  several  methods  by  which  the  operation  can  be  per- 
formed, such  as  the  clamps,  searing,  ligaturing,  torsion,  ecrasure 
(Fig.  41),  and  emasculator  (Fig.  42).  The  last  two  ways  are 
the  only  proper  methods  to  be  used.  The  first  four  methods 
named  are  old-styled  and  away  out  of  date,  and  are  not  used  at 
all  at  the  present  time  by  the  veterinary  profession.  To  operate 
by  either  of  the  two  last  methods  the  animal  is  either  thrown 
or  operated  on  standing;  we  prefer  to  throw  (Fig.  43)  the  animal. 
When  the  animal  is  tied,  make  an  examination  of  the  parts,  and 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


215 


Fig.  41.    Miles'  Ecrasure, 


Fig.  42.    Haussmann's  Emasculate r. 


if  no  hernia  (rupture)  is  present,  take  a  finn  hold  on  one  of 
the  testicles,  and  with  a  sharp  knife  (Figs.  44  and  45)  make  a 
free  incision  from  before  backwards  about  three-fourths  of  an 
inch  to  one  side  of  the  centre  division  (raphe).  Be  sure  you  have 
your  hands  and  instruments  perfectly  clean  before  operating,  so 
as  not  to  poison  the  wound.  Cut  deep  enough  to  let  the  testicle 
out  of  the  scrotum  (bag).  Then  grasp  the  other  one  and  let  it 
out  by  cutting  on  the  other  side  about  the  same  distance  from  the 
center.  Put  the  chain  of  the  ecrasure  on  the  cord,  or  grasp  it 
with  the  emasculator,  and  cut  it  in  two  with  whichever  instru- 


216 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


(a)  The  horse  ready  to  be  thrown. 


b. 


(b)  The  horse  thrown  and  tied. 


Fig.  43.    THROWING  THE  HORSE. 


Dr.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book. 


217 


inent  you  use.  These,  by  their  structure  and  method  of  cut- 
ting, stop  all  bleeding  from  the  cord.  Before  letting  the  horse 
up,  see  that  you  have  a  good,  big  hole,  so  that  all  the  matter  will 
drain  that  forms  in  the  wound  for  several  days.  The  after-treat- 
ment consists  in  giving  the  animal  good,  nutritious  food,  plenty 
of  exercise,  and  don't  let  him  get  wet  in  a  cold  rain  for  at  least 
ten  days.  As  there  are  certain  normal  and  abnormal  results  that 
follow  castration,  we  will  <:^ive  a  few  of  them  below: 


Fig.  44.    Castrating  Knife  — single  blade. 


Fig.  45.    Castrating  Knife  — double  blade. 


Swelling. — This  is  a  normal  condition,  as  it  takes  place  more 
or  less  after  every  castration.  As  long  as  the  animal  has  its  ap- 
petite and  shows  no  signs  of  high  fever,  there  need  be  no  alarm 
over  the  swelling.  If  the  swelling  becomes  considerable,  bathe 
the  parts  frequently  with  warm  water  and  insert  your  clean  fin- 
gers up  into  the  holes  to  keep  them  open.  Give  plenty  of  gentle 
exercise,  and  turn  out  to  pasture  if  one  can  be  had. 


218  Dr.  IjeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Pain. — Pain,  called  ''after  pains,"  sometimes  takes  place  after 
castration,  and  many  occur  in  connection  with  the  cord,  or  as  a 
result  of  colic,  etc.  This  may  be  relieved  by  walking  exercise, 
but  if  it  still  persists,  it  can  be  relieved  by  giving  Dr.  LeGear's 
Colic  Cure.    (See  Appendix.) 


Fig.  46.    Operating  Hood,  to  protect  the  eyes  and  quiet  the  animal  while 
being  thrown  for  an  operation. 

])Lep:ding. — lileeding  from  the  wound  in  the  scrotum  (bag) 
may  be  quite  free,  especially  in  warm  weather,  but  need  not  cause 
any  alarm,  as  it  w  ill  invariably  stop  of  itself.  If  bleeding  takes 
place  to  any  alarming  extent  from  the  large  artery  in  the  cord, 
it  should  be  checked  before  the  animal  bleeds  too  much.  This 
can  gnerally  be  done  by  plugging  up  the  wound  with  cloths  wet 
in  cold  water.  If  this  fails  to  check  the  blood,  the  animal  should 
be  thrown  and  the  artery  secured  and  tied  with  a  silk  string. 

Peritonitis. — Peritonitis  (inflammation  of  the  lining  of  the 
bowel  cavity)  may  take  place  after  the  operation  has  been  per- 
formed in  a  bungling  manner,  or  by  exposing  the  animal  to  wet 
and  cold.  This  result  is  known  by  severe  swelling,  loss  of  appe- 
tite, high  fever,  severe  internal  pain,  but  the  animal  does  not 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


219 


roll.  When  peritonitis  sets  in,  the  animal  will  die^,  as  a  general 
thing.  Bathe  the  swollen  parts  freely  with  warm  water  and  give 
internally  Dr.  LeGear's  Colic  Cure.  (See  Appendix.)  Keep  the 
animal  comfortable,  in  a  dry,  warm  place,  etc. 


Fig.  47.    Baker's  Hobbles,  used  for  throwing  a  horse  in  common  operations. 

Lockjaw.  —  Lockjaw  occasionally  follows  the  operation  of 
castration.  It  may  be  brought  on  by  exposure,  or  by  the  animal 
being  kept  in  a  damp,  filthy  stall  or  lot.  Not  much  can  be  done 
for  it. 


KuPTURE. — It  is  quite  a  common  thing  for  certain  breeds  of 
horses  to  be  affected  with  hernia  (rupture).  -Before  castrating 
you  should  always  examine  the  animal  for  rupture.  Sometimes 
it  may  occur  after  the  operation  is  performed,  and  the  bowels 
protrude  through  the  opening  and  may  extend  to  the  ground. 
If  seen  in  time  the  animal  should  be  thrown,  the  bowels  put 
15 


220  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

back  and  the  wound  sewed  up.  If  they  protrude  to  a  consider- 
able extent,  it  is  almost  useless  to  try  to  save  the  animal.  Cas- 
tration can  be  performed  on  a  ruptured  animal  by  what  is  known 
as  the  "covered  operation,"  but  this  shouldn't  be  undertaken  ex- 
cept by  an  experienced  veterinarian. 

Seedy  Cord. — This  is  the  formation  of  a  tumor  on  or  in  con- 
nection ^dth  the  cord,  caused  by  rough  handling  or  dragging 
upon  the  cord,  or  by  leaving  it  too  long,  which  adheres  to  the 
side  of  the  wound  and  begins  a  fibrous  growth.  Castrating  with 
the  clamps  is  the  most  frequent  cause  of  this,  as  the  clamps  hold 
and  stretch  the  cord  down  for  one,  two  or  three  days,  and  after 
they  are  removed  the  cord  has  lost  its  power  of  retracting  and 
is  very  liable  to  adhere  to  the  sides  of  the  wound  and  cause  seedy- 
cord,  or  water-seed.  These  tumors  generally  keep  on  growing, 
and  sometimes  become  of  an  enormous  size,  making  it  almost  im- 
possible for  the  animal  to  walk.  The  only  remedy  for  this  trou- 
ble is  to  thoroughly  dissect  them  out.  If  taken  before  the  tumor 
is  very  large  it  can  be  removed  with  not  much  trouble,  but  when 
the  growth  is  of  several  months  standing  only  a  qualified  vet- 
erinarian should  undertake  the  operation. 

Castrating  Kidglixgs. — A  ridgling  is  an  animal  where  one 
or  both  of  his  testicles  has  never  come  down.  They  are  either 
lodged  in  the  channel  (inguinal  canal)  or  in  the  abdominal  cav- 
ity. The  castrating  of  these  animals  is  a  very  difficult  task,  and 
one  that  we  can  not  explain  so  that  the  unprofessional  mind  can 
understand  the  operation.  The  testicle  has  no  certain  place  to 
be  lodged,  but  has  several  places  where  it  is  liable  to  be  found. 
Although  it  is  a  serious  and  severe  operation,  yet  if  it  is  under- 
taken by  a  person  thoroughly  versed  in  the  anatomy  of  the  ])ai*ts, 
and  who  understands  tlie  operation,  there  is  no  particular  danger 
to  the  animal.  IJidglings  are  as  a  rule  very  mean,  ugly-disposi- 
tioned  animals,  and  are  not  at  all  desirable  to  have  about.     Al- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  221 

though  they  can  serve  a  mare,  it  is  only  in  exceptional  cases  that 
they  can  get  a  colt.  The  testicle  or  testicles  that  haven't  come 
down  are  not  very  thoroughly  developed,  therefore  the  reason 
why  the  animal  is  barren. 

SPAYING  THE  MARE. 

Castration  of  the  mare  is  a  much  more  dangerous  operation 
than  in  the  females  of  other  domesticated  animals.  Itisperformed 
only  in  those  cases  where  the  ovaries  (pride)  are  diseased,  and  in 
those  mares  which  are  not  wanted  for  breeding  purposes.  The 
operation  can  be  performed  in  the  flank  or  through  the  vagina. 
Tlie  latter  is  the  best  and  safest  method,  but  it  takes  considerable 
practice  and  certain  costly  instruments  to  be  able  to  successfully 
perform  it.  Before  thoroughly  understanding  this  operation 
through  the  vagina,  you  must  have  a  thorough  knowledge  of  the 
anatomy  of  the  parts.  In  operating  in  the  flank,  a  hole  is  cut 
in  the  abdominal  muscles  in  the  left  flank  I'arge  enough  to  admit 
the  hand.  The  hand  is  introduced  into  the  abdominal  cavity 
and  the  ovaries  brough  out  and  removed  with  the  ecrasure.  (Fig. 
41.)  The  wound  is  then  sewed  up  and  the  operation  is  complete. 
As  we  said  before,  this  operation  is  a  serious  one,  and  should  not 
be  undertaken  by  any  one  save  an  experienced  surgeon. 


222  Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  XVI. 
DISEASES  OF  THE  MALE  ORGANS  OF  GENERATION. 

ORCHITIS. 

Orchitis  is  inflammation  of  the  testicles,  and  is  generally  a 
very  serious  and  painful  affection. 

Causes. — As  a  rule  it  is  caused  by  direct  injury,  such  as  blows, 
kicks,  covering  mares  in  an  improper  manner,  etc.  It  may  also  be 
caused  by  exposure  to  cold,  and  being  confined  in  cold,  damp 
lots,  stables,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  parts  become  swollen  and  the  animal  suffers 
great  pain.  There  is  heat  and  tenderness  in  the  scrotum  (bag), 
and  the  animal  walks  in  a  stiff,  straddling  manner,  and  shows  ail 
signs  of  pain  and  misery.  The  animal  will  have  more  or  less 
fever,  a  rapid  pulse,  and  generally  remains  standing. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  must  be  both  local  and  constitu- 
tional. Keep  the  animal  perfectly  quiet  and  bathe  the  swollen 
testicles  with  warm  water  for  hours  at  a  time.  Support  the  tes- 
ticles by  putting  on  a  bandage,  the  ends  of  which  may  be  passe<l 
between  the  hind  legs  and  brought  around  and  tied  over  the 
loins.  Pad  the  bandage  with  cotton  and  keep  it  moist  and  warm 
by  pouring  on  warm  water.  Apply  astringent  soothing  lotions, 
such  as 

Sugar  of  lead 4  drams. 

Laudanum   1  ounce. 

Water 1  quart. 

Mix,  and  apply  three  or  four  times  a  day. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  228 

Give  internally  a  good  physic,  as  the  following: 

Barbadoes  aloes 1  ounce. 

Nitrate  of  potash 2  drams. 

Ginger 2  drams. 

Water  .    1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

After  the  inflammation  has  subsided  and  there  is  still  swelling 
and  accumulation  of  fluid  in  the  bag,  it  may  be  absorbed  by  giv- 
ing the  following: 

Iodide  of  potassium IJ  ounces. 

Nitrate  of  potassium 2  ounces. 

Copperas  1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  make  twelve  powders,  and  give  one  in  damp 
feed  every  morning. 

HYDROCELE— DEOPSY  OF  THE  SCROTUM. 

This  is  an  affection  which  the  stallion  is  sometimes  afflicted 
with.  It  is  an  accumulation  of  water  in  the  scrotum  (bag),  and 
is  often  the  result  of  inflammation  of  the  testicles,  or  may  be  due 
to  local  diseases  of  the  testicles,  cord,  or  walls  of  the  sack. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  are  enlargement  of  the  scrotum 
with  water,  being  recognized  by  fluctuating  under  the  fingei-s 
when  examined.  This  is  rather  a  rare  condition  and  is  not  very 
serious  as  a  general  thing. 

Treatment. — If  the  scrotum  contains  much  serum  (water)  it 
should  be  drawn  off  with  a  hollow  needle.  It  may  be  absorbed  by 
painting  the  scrotum  once  a  day  with  tincture  of  iodine  and  giv- 
ing one  dram  of  iodide  of  potassium  every  morning  for  two  or 
three  weeks. 


224  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


ENLARGED  TESTICLES. 

This  condition  is  occasionally  met  with  in  the  stallion,  and  the 
testicle  may  enlarge  to  three  or  four  times  its  natural  size.  It 
may  be  due  to  a  chronic  inflammation,  and  may  increase  in  size 
very  slowly.  When  this  affection  is'  recognized,  the  only  success- 
ful treatment  is  castration. 

PARAPHYMOSIS. 

By  paraphymosis  is  understood  protrusion  of  the  penis  without 
power  to  retract  it.  It  is  caused  by  injuries  directly  or  indirectly 
received.  Stallions  suffer  more  frequently  than  geldings.  Too 
frequent  service  is  often  the  cause,  and  we  have  seen  it  caused 
by  large  stallions  injuring  the  penis  by  serving  small  mares. 

Symptoms. — The  penis  protrudes  from  the  sheath  and  is  much 
swollen,  and  may  or  may  not  be  very  painful  to  the  animal. 

Treatment. — If  taken  in  time  it  can  generally  be  treated  suc- 
cessfully. If  swollen  to  any  considerable  extent  the  penis  should 
be  lightly  scarified  by  cutting  several  small  holes  into  it  with  a 
sharp  knife,  to  let  some  of  the  blood  and  serum  ooze  out.  After 
scarifying,  bathe  it  nicely  with  warm  water  for  an  hour  at  a 
time,  and  then  a  solution  of  alum  water  applied.  The  penis 
should  be  supported  by  a  bandage.  Give  one  pint  of  raw  linseed 
oil  as  a  drench,  and  give  one  dram  of  nitrate  of  potash  morning 
and  night  in  damp  feed.  Feed  plenty  of  bran  mashes  and  no 
corn.  If  it  is  caused  by  too  frequent  service,  give  one  dram  of 
nux  vomica  every  night  for  two  or  three  weeks.  If  the  case  is 
too  far  advanced  before  treatment  is  begun  and  mortification 
sets  in,  the  penis  should  be  amputated  (cut  off),  and  the  ecrasure 
is  the  best  instrument  for  the  operation.    (See  Fig.  41.) 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  225 


PHYMOSIS. 

This  is  just  the  opposite  to  paraphymosis,  and  consists  of  in- 
ability to  protrude  the  penis  from  the  sheath.  It  is  generally 
due  to  some  abnormal  growth  or  contraction  of  the  sheath,  mak- 
ing it  impossible  for  the  animal  to  protrude  the  penis.  Warts 
on  the  penis  or  in  the  sheath  may  cause  it. 

Treatment.  —  If  due  to  warts,  they  should  be  removed  by 
throwing  the  animal  and  withdrawing  the  penis  from  the  sheath. 
If  due  to  the  constriction  of  the  prepuce,  it  should  be  slit  with  a 
pair  of  scissors.  If  due  to  debility,  feed  well  and  give  our  Con- 
dition Powders.    (See  x\ppendix.) 

PAKALYSIS  OF  THE  PENIS. 

This  is  generally  caused  by  blows  or  other  injuries  to  the 
penis,  or  from  too  frequent  and  exhausting  service.  The  causes 
are  much  the  same  as  for  paraphymosis. 

Symptoms. — This  is  a  local  paralysis,  and  the  penis  hangs  from 
the  sheath  in  a  flabby,  pendulous,  and  often  cold  condition.  The 
urine  is  generally  passed  in  a  slow,  dribbling  manner. 

Treatment. — The  animal  should  have  good  care  and  good, 
nourishing  food.  Give  one  dram  of  powdered  nux  vomica  in  a 
bran  mash  morning  and  night  for  two  or  three  weeks.  If  the 
paralysis  is  due  to  an  injury,  bathe  the  injured  parts  with  warm 
water  and  apply  our  Healing  Lotion  two  or  three  times  per  day. 

SELF-ABUSE— MASTURBATION. 

This  is  a  disgusting,  weakening,  vicious  habit  that  some  stal- 
lions acquire.    It  is  done  by  stimulating  the  sexual  desire  to  the 


226  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

discharge  of  seineii,  by  rubbing  the  penis  against  the  belly  or  be- 
tween the  front  legs.  Some  stallions  practice  this  vicious  habit  so 
much  that  they  keep  thin  and  poor,  no  matter  how  well  fed.  If 
in  a  common  stallion  of  not  much  value  for  breeding  purposes 
we  would  advise  castration.  It  can  be  prevented  by  the  use  of  a 
shield  which  is  attached  over  the  end  of  the  sheath  and  fastened 
on  by  straps  over  the  loins  and  between  the  thighs.  Shields  are 
generally  made  of  netting  or  screening,  and  are  so  adjusted  to 
the  horse  as  to  keep  him  from  protruding  his  penis. 

GONORRHOEA. 

This  is  a  disease  seen  occasionally  among  both  horses  and 
cattle,  but  more  frequently  among  cattle.  In  cattle  it  is  some- 
times called  "bull-burnt."  It  is  an  inflammation  of  the  urethra 
(the  canal  that  conveys  the  urine  from  the  bladder),  and  some- 
times becomes  a  very  serious  affection.  Stallions  or  bulls  affect- 
ed with  gonorrhoea  will  convey  it  to  every  female  they  have  con- 
nection with.    Females  will  also  communicate  it  to  males. 

Causes. — It  may  arise  from  any  cause  that  has  a  tendency  to 
irritate  the  urethra  of  the  male,  or  the  urethra  or  vagina  of  the 
female.  Gravel  or  irritating  urine  may  irritate  and  inflame  the 
urethra,  which  may  remove  the  lining  membrane  and  cause 
chancres  or  ulcers.  Too  frequent  service  is  a  prolific  cause,  and 
it  may  originate  in  the  female  from  the  whites. 

Symptoms, — The  animal  shows  considerable  pain  in  urinating, 
which  is  frequently  attempted,  while  only  a  little  urine  is  passed. 
The  animal  evinces  a  great  deal  of  pain  by  raising  and  stamping 
the  hind  legs  and  is  disinclined  to  move.  There  is  a  whitish 
discharge  from  the  penis  or  vagina.  In  neglected  cases  the 
membranes  peel  off,  ulcers  or  chancres  appear,  and  the  bull  or 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  227 

stallion  may  become  totally  useless  from  the  sinuses  in  the  penis, 
and  large  tumors,  which  calls  for  amputation  of  the  penis. 

Treatment. — Affected  animals  should  not  be  allowed  to  copu- 
late (serve),  as  the  disease  is  communicated,  and  the  previous 
sufferer  endures  greater  pain.  If  noticed  in  the  early  stages,  give 
the  cow  or  bull  one  and  one-half  pounds  of  epsom  salts,  or  the 
stallion  or  mare  one  ounce  of  aloes.  Then  give  a  good  blood 
toilic,  such  as  our  Condition  Powders.    (See  Appendix.) 

Use  as  an  injection  the  following: 

Sulphate  of  zinc 1  dram. 

Glycerine 4  ounces. 

Soft  water 6  ounces. 

Mix,  and  inject  with  a  syringe  once  per  day.  Or  20 
grains  of  permanganate  of  potash  in  a  pint  of  water  is 
good. 

All  heating  food  should  be  abandoned  and  a  light  laxative  diet 
given.  Don't  put  the  animal  to  hard  work  or  severe  exertion  dur- 
ing an  attack  of  gonorrhoea.  The  chancres  should  be  burnt  with 
caustic  and  then  an  astringent  wash,  as  the  above,  applied. 

FOULNESS  OF  THE  SHEATH  AND  PENIS. 

This  is  a  very  common  trouble  in  geldings,  due  to  their  not 
protruding  the  penis  very  often  out  of  its  sheath.  There  accu- 
mulates a  dark  colored,  sebaceous  substance  within  the  sheath 
and  on  the  penis,  which  gets  so  abundant  at  times  that  it  causes 
great  uneasiness  to  the  animal.  This  should  be  washed  out  oc- 
casionally with  warm  water  and  soap,  using  a  soft  cloth  or 
sponge.  After  washing,  grease  all  the  inside  of  the  sheath  with 
a  little  sweet  oil  or  fresh  lard.     Great  care  should  be  taken  in 


228 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


washing  it  out,  as  the  parts  can  be  very  easily  injured  and  cause 
considerable  swelling. 

More  trouble  arises  from  the  formation  of  little  "beans"  of  a 
soft,  clayish  color  in  the  cavity  in  the  head  of  the  penis.  They 
sometimes  obstruct  the  passage  and  cause  the  horse  considerable 
trouble  in  staling.  They  should  be  removed  by  carefully  draw- 
ing out  the  penis  and  removing  them  with  the  finger. 


Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  22» 

CHAPTER  XVII. 
THE  FOOT. 

The  foot  of  the  horse  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  most  im- 
portant parts  of  the  animal,  and  it  is  subject  to  many  injuries- 
and  diseases,  which,  in  part  or  in  whole,  render  the  animal  un- 
fit for  the  work  he  is  intended  to  do.  The  old  maxim,  "No  foot, 
no  horse,^'  is  as  true  to-day  as  when  first  expressed.  As  the  value 
of  the  horse  depends  largely  or  entirely  upon  his  ability  to  labor, 
it  is  all  important  that  his  feet  be  kept  sound.  To  do  this  it  is 
necessary  not  only  to  know  how  to  cure  all  diseases  of  the  feet, 
but  how  to  prevent  them.  The  hard  and  rough  work  the  horse 
is  compelled  to  do,  and  the  abuses  the  foot  is  put  to  by  defective 
shoeing,  are  the  fruitful  causes  of  so  many  diseased  and  injured 
feet. 

The  foot  may  be  said  to  be  composed  of  the  hoof  and  the 
structures  contained  therein.  Within  the  hoof  may  be  found  the 
coffin  bone,  navicular  bone,  sensitive  laminae,  lateral  cartilages^ 
planter  cushion,  and  fatty  frog.  The  hoof  is  composed  of  the 
wall,  sole,  and  frog.  The  wall  is  that  portion  of  the  hoof  that 
can  be  seen  when  the  foot  is  placed  on  the  ground.  The  frog  is 
the  three-cornered  portion  of  the  bottom  of  the  foot  that  ter- 
minates near  the  center  of  the  foot  in  a  point.  The  sole  com- 
prises the  remaining  portion  of  the  bottom  of  the  foot.  The  frog- 
is  composed  of  a  soft,  spongy  tissue,  and  serves  as  a  cushion  to 
the  foot.  The  lateral  cartilages  are  pads  .of  cartilage  (gristle) 
placed  one  on  each  side  of  the  foot  in  the  region  of  the  quarters. 
They  are  just  inside  the  hoof  and  act  as  a  spring  to  the  heel 
while  the  animal  is  traveling.  When  they  become  diseased  they 
turn  to  bone  and  are  then  called  side-bones.  The  coffin-joint  is 
situated  deeply  in  the  foot,  and  is  formed  by  the  union  of  the 
coffin  bone,  navicular  bone,  and  os-coronae.     When  it  becomes 


530  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

diseased  it  is  verv  hard  to  treat,  as  the  trouble  is  located  so  deeply 
in  the  foot.  The  coronary  band  is  situated  just  to  the  inside  of 
the  top  of  the  wall  of  the  hoof,  and  it  is  from  it  the  wall  grows. 
A  brief  description  of  the  diseases  and  injuries  of  the  foot  will 
be  found  below. 

CONTRACTION,  OR  NARROW  HEEL. 

Contraction  is  not  of  itself  a  disease,  but  the  symptom  of  dis- 
ease. It  is  often  called  "narrow-heel,"  as  the  whole  heel  and 
frog  waste  away.  Contraction  is  due  to  the  atrophy  or  wasting 
Away  of  the  fatty  frog  and  other  vascular  substances  above  the 
frog  and  within  the  heel.  When  these  substances  waste  away 
the  walls  at  the  heel  gradually  draw  in  and  form  contraction,  or 
narrow-heel.  It  is  generally  brought  on  by  coffin-joint  lameness 
-or  any  fever  in  the  heels.  Improper  shoeing,  by  cutting  out  the 
bars  and  frogs,  and  shoeing  with  high  heel  shoes,  etc.,  are  fre- 
quent causes  of  this  trouble. 

Treatment. — Dilatation  of  the  hoof  by  mechanical  means  (hoof 
'expanders.  Fig.  48)  is  practiced  very  little  in  this  country  to  what 

it  is  in  France.  In  many  cases,  no 
Q.?<'^^te^^^l^  doubt,  hoof  expanders  are  found  to 
be  beneficial  in  contraction.  But 
when  the  contracted  feet  have  to  be 
expanded,  there  is  a  far  more  simple 
and  effective  means  of  attaining  that 
end  in  the  foot  itself.  By  lowering 
the  walls  at  the  heels,  so  as  to  re- 
store frog  pressure,  the  latter  speed- 
ily recovers  its  lost  characteristics. 

Fig.  48.    Hoof -Expander.  -^  ^    .  ,       ,,,  -,.,.  , 

and  m  a  healthy  condition  gradu- 
ally and  naturally  accomplishes  one  of  the  very  purposes  for 
which  nature  placed  it  there.  In  some  cases  tips  properly  ap- 
pUed  and  persisted  in  will  cure  contracted  heels. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  231 


FOUNDER— LAMINITIS. 

Founder  is  a  very  painful  disease  of  the  horse  and  is  very 
destructive  to  a  horse's  usefulness  unless  treated  properly  and 
taken  in  time.  Laminitis  is  the  professional  name  for  the  trouble 
meaning  inflammation  of  the  sensitive  lamina  (delicate  internal 
part  of  the  foot).  Fever  in  the  feet  is  another  name  for  the 
trouble. 

Causes. — There  are  a  great  many  causes  for  founder,  such  a& 
driving  too  hard  on  hard  roads  on  a  hot  day;  driving  through 
cold  streams  of  water,  or  giving  the  animal  cold  water  to  drink, 
while  he  is  too  warm;  letting  stand  in  a  cold  wind  or  storm  while 
hot  without  protecting  his  body;  eating  too  much  corn  or  oats, 
etc.  It  may  also  be  brought  on  by  diarrhoea,  or  by  giving  too 
strong  a  physic.  If  a  horse  has  been  foundered,  great  care  should 
be  taken  of  him,  as  he  will  take  it  again  very  easily. 

Symptoms.  —  The  symptoms  vary  according  to  whether  one. 
two,  or  all  feet  are  affected.  In  a  majority  of  cases  both  front 
feet  are  the  ones  affected.  In  these  cases  the  animal  will  be 
found  standing  with  his  back  arched,  the  hind  feet  carried  for- 
ward towards  the  center  of  the  body  in  order  that  the  weight 
may  be  borne  as  much  as  possible  by  them  and  removed  from  the 
fore  feet.  If  made  to  back,  he  drags  his  front  feet  as  though  he 
couldn't  lift  them  from  the  ground.  When  made  to  go  ahead, 
he  does  it  with  great  difficulty,  stumbling  as  he  goes  ahead. 
Founder  is  an  excruciatingly  painful  disease,  and  the  animal 
may  break  out  in  a  sweat  or  shiver  with  pain.  There  is  a  rush  of 
blood  to  the  feet,  which,  by  producing  swelling  inside  of  the 
hard,  unyielding  hoofs,  presses  on  the  many  nerves  and  cause? 
severe  pain.  The  animal  may  lie  down  most  of  the  time,  which 
takes  the  pressure  off  the  feet  and  affords  some  relief.    There  is 


232 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


generall}^  a  high  fever  and  the  pulse  is  fast  and  strong.  If  the 
disease  is  neglected  rough  rings  or  ridges  grow  on  the  hoofs  by 
the  fever  interfering  witli  the  growth  of  the  hoofs.  (Fig.  49.)  As 
founder  affects  principally  the  front  of  the  foot,  the  animal  will 
try  to  get  relief  by  standing  and  walking  on  his  heels.  In  severe 
cases  the  sole  and  wall  may  separate,  and  the  coffin-bone  come 
down  through  the  bottom  of  the  foot.  This  is  called  "pumiced 
foot."  In  chronic  founder  the  horse  may  be  very  stiff  on  start- 
ing off,  but  he  will  limber  up  and  drive  very  well  until  cooled 
off  again. 


Fig.  49.    Foundered  Feet. 


Treatment. — The  treatment  of  founder  should  be  commenced 
at  once,  and  varies  according  to  the  cause.  If  caused  by  eating 
too  much  grain,  or  by  drinking  water  while  warm,  or  by  hard 
driving,  give  the  following  physic: 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  2S3 

Barbadoes  aloes 1  ounce. 

Mtrate  of  potash 4  drams. 

Tincture  aconite  20  drops. 

Ginger 2  drams. 

Water  1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench. 

Give  15  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  in  a  little  water  every  four 
hours  until  four  doses  are  given.  Also  give  2  drams  of  nitrate 
of  potash  every  four  hours  for  three  days.  Give  bran  mashes, 
etc.,  to  eat.  Applications  to  the  feet  are  very  necessary.  If  the 
liorse  can  stand,  put  him  in  a  running  stream,  or  in  a  hole  dug 
out  of  a  stall,  or  in  a  cqrner  of  the  lot  having  about  four  inches 
of  clean  water  in  it.  Let  him  remain  in  the  water  two  or  three 
hours  twice  a  day.  After  removing  from  water  apply  our  Lini- 
ment well  rubbed  in,  which  is  very  necessary  to  draw  out  the 
soreness.  Wet  clay  is  very  good  to  stand  a  horse  in.  In  the  win- 
ter warm  poultices  of  bran  and  linseed  can  be  tied  on  the  feet 
with  a  piece  of  sack;  or  the  horse  may  be  stood  in  a  tub  of  warm 
water.  If  the  disease  is  brought  on  by  too  much  physic  or  from 
diarrhoea,  give  the  same  treatment  prescribed  above  with  the  ex- 
ception of  the  physic.  Don't  give  any  physic  in  those  cases.  Al- 
ways remove  the  shoes,  and  in  some  cases  pare  down  the  feet. 
Give  walking  exercise  about  the  third  day,  and  increase  every 
day,  on  soft  ground,  as  exercise  is  beneficial.  Have  a  pair  of  wide 
web  concave  shoes  tacked  on  loosely  so  as  to  protect  the  bot- 
toms of  the  feet.  If,  after  you  have  carried  out  the  above 
treatment  for  ten  days  or  two  weeks,  and  there  is  still  lameness, 
then  don't  put  the  horse  in  the  water  any  jnore,  but  apply  our 
Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix)  well  around  the  feet  in  the  hair 
above  the  hoofs.  This  will  draw  out  the  remaining  soreness  and 
limber  the  hoi*se  up  all  right.  If  the  above  treatment  is  prop- 
erly carried  out,  nine  out  of  every  ten  cases  of  founder  can  be 
cured  sound  and  well. 


234  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Old  chronic  cases  of  founder  may  be  relieved  by  taking  off  the 
shoes  and  paring  down  the  feet  and  standing  the  horse  in  water 
to  his  ankles  five  or  six  hours  a  day  for  fifteen  or  twenty  days. 
Then  blister  the  feet  in  the  hair  just  above  the  hoofs  well  with 
our  Spavin  Cure.  After  blistering  oil  the  whole  foot  well  every 
day  or  two  for  two  or  three  weeks  with  raw  linseed  oil  or  sweet 
oil. 

SEEDY-TOE. 

The  term  seedy-toe  has  been  applied  to  a  peculiar  condition 
of  the  horn  of  the  toe,  which  is  rendered  soft  and  crumbling. 

Causes. — It  may  be  due  to  an  hereditary  predisposition,  the  use 
of  too  large  toe-chps,  or  to  any  irritation  causing  impaired  secre- 
tion or  interfering  with  the  nutrition  of  the  horn  at  the  toe.  Jt 
may  not  in  all  cases  cause  lameness,  but  is,  nevertheless,  an  un- 
soundness. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  shoe  and  cut  down  the  toe,  removing 
all  the  diseased  horn.  Keep  the  hoof  moist  with  poultices,  and 
then  apply  a  good  blister  to  the  coronet  to  stimulate  the  growth 
of  new  horn.  Continue  the  poultices,  fomentations,  etc.,  and  if 
the  sensitive  structures  are  exposed  and  much  irritation  exists, 
the  opening  should  be  closed  by  pledgets  of  cotton  saturated  'with 
any  of  the  preparations  of  tar. 

BRUISE  OF  THE  SENSITIVE  SOLE. 

Causes. — It  may  be  caused  by  stepping  on  a  rock  or  other  hard 
substances  while  traveling  rapidly,  or  by  a  shoe  upon  a  naturally 
thin  sole,  or  a  sole  that  has  been  cut  down  too  much. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


235 


:  Symptoms. — The  indications  are  lameness,  heat  in  the  part, 
and  on  tapping  or  pinching  the  parts  the  animal  flinches,  etc. 

Treatment. — Kemove  the  shoe,  pare  down  the  sole  to  a  certain 
extent,  and  apply  a  poultice  of  flaxseed  meal  for  two  days.  Ap- 
plications of  hot  or  cold  water  will  be  useful  in  allaying  any  swel- 
ling or  irritation. 

CORNS. 

A  corn  is  a  bruise  of  the  sensitive  sole  in  the  angle  of  the  heeL 
Corns  are  of  more  frequent  occurrence  in  the  front  feet,  and  are 
nearly  always  found  on  the  inner  side.  There  are  three  kinds  of 
corns — hard,  soft,  and  suppurating.  The  latter  is  by  far  the 
most  serious,  as  pus  is  formed,  and  unless  allowed  to  escape  will 
cause  serious  trouble.     (See  Fig.  50.) 


Causes. — Improper  shoeing  is  very  often  the  cause  of  corns, 
but  horses  running  on  the  range  may  have  corns.     A  bruise  in 

the  angle  of  the  heel,  from  what- 
ever cause,  is  liable  to  cause  corns, 

Symptoms.  — The    animal    is 
more  or  less  lame,  especially  when 
he  is  trotting.    There  is  a  certain 
amount  of  heat  over  the  parts.  On 
squeezing  the  foot  with  a  pair  of 
forceps,  or  t<ipping  the  parts  with 
a  light  hammer,  the  animal  will 
evince  pain.     By  paring  out  the 
sole  over  the  seat  of  the  corn  red- 
ness may  be  seen,  and  if  it  is  a  suppurating  corn  matter  will  be 
found  if  cut  out  deep  enough. 
16 


Fig.  50.     A  Corn. 


236  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  shoe,  and  having  decided  that  a  corn 
is  present,  cut  or  pare  down  carefully,  using  a  suitable  knife. 
(Fig.  51.)  When  the  corn  is  reached,  the  pus,  if  any  be  present 
should  be  allowed  to  escape  and  the  cavity  cleansed  out  with  Dr. 
LeGear's  Healing  Lotion.  (See  Appendix.)  The  heel  should  h^ 
cut  down  so  as  to  take  all  pressure  from  the  affected  parts.  Put 
a  poultice  on  the  foot,  and  give  a  few  days'  rest;  afterwards  put 
on  either  a  bar  shoe  or  a  three-quarter  shoe,  either  one  of  which 
will  take  the  pressure  from  the  corn.  Change  the  shoes  every 
four  weeks  and  keep  the  corn  well  pared  out  and  tlie  horse  wiU 
travel  without  much  trouble. 


Fig.  51.    Hoof  Knife. 

GRAVEL  m  THE  FOOT. 

Whenever  a  small  stone  gets  into  a  horse's  foot,  either  through 
a  wound  or  works  into  a  crevice  in  the  sole  or  frog  up  into  the 
quick,  it  is  called  "gravel."  Some  people  attribute  any  matter 
breaking  at  the  top  of  the  hoof  to  gravel,  which  in  many  cases 
is  merely  matter  working  out  from  the  effects  of  a  bruise  of  the 
sole  or  a  coni.  If  a  gravel  gets  into  the  foot,  and  is  small  enough, 
it  will  finally  work  out  at  the  top  of  the  hoof.  The  horse  is  gen- 
erally lame  while  it  is  in  the  foot,  but  will  get  over  it  as  soon  as 
it  comes  out. 

Treatment.^— It  any  soreness  in  the  foot  can  be  found  it  should 
be  pared  down,  and  if  any  matter  or  a  gravel  is  found  it  should  be 
removed  and  the  cavity  washed  out  for  a  few  days  with  our  Heal- 
ing Lotion  (see  Appendix),  and  the  hole  protected  from  all  dirt, 
arid  it  will  soon  heal. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  237 


NAIL  IN  THE  FOOT. 

This  is  a  very  common  occurrence,  and  though  trivial  as  it 
seems,  at  times  causes  very  serious  trouble.  Unless  it  penetrates 
through  the  sole  or  frog  it  never  causes  any  inconvenience.  If 
the  nail  penetrates  the  coffin-joint,  or  injures  the  bone  or  ten- 
don, very  serious  symptoms  are  presented.  When  the  joint  is 
injured  it  causes  the  most  painful  and  serious  injury  to  which 
the  foot  is  liable.  Sometimes  a  nail  enters  the  foot  one  or  two 
inches  and  very  little  lameness  is  shown  afterwards. 

Symptoms. — It  is  by  no  means  a  very  easy  thing  in  all  cases  to 
detect  a  nail  in  a  horse^s  foot,  hence  a  very  close  and  thorough 
examination  should  be  made  in  all  cases,  or  mistakes  in  diagnosis 
will  be  very  liable  to  occur.  We  have  known  cases  where  a  horge 
had  a  nail  in  his  foot,  and  the  owner  would  blister  his  hip  or 
shoulders,  thinking  he  had  hip  or  shoulder  lameness.  In  a  ma- 
jority of  cases  the  nail  comes  out  of  itself,  which  is  one  reason 
why  we  are  liable  to  think  the  soreness  wasn't  in  the  foot.  Heat 
may  be  felt  in  the  foot  above  the  hoof.  In  all  cases  of  suspected 
foot  lameness  the  foot  should  be  gently  tapped  with  a  light  ham- 
mer, and  if  there  is  much  soreness  in  the  foot  the  horse  will 
flinch  and  show  signs  of  pain.  It  is  by  the  hole  closing  up  after 
the  nail  comes  out,  and  the  matter  that  forms  not  being  able  to 
escape,  that  causes  the  severe  pain  and  lameness.  Other  objects, 
such  as  screws,  broken  glass,  tacks,  etc.,  may  penetrate  the  foot 
and  cause  the  same  trouble  that  a  nail  does.  Lockjaw  is  very 
frequently  caused  by  nails  penetrating  the  f-eet  of  horses;  the 
nails  being  dirty  and  rusty,  carry  the  germs  of  the  disease  into 
the  foot,  where  they  get  into  the  circulation.  If  by  tapping  the 
foot,  pain  is  evinced,  the  shoe  should  be  taken  off  and  the  foot 
pared  down  to  discover  a  nail  hole  if  possible. 


238  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — Having  found  the  nail  or  whatever  it  may  be,  it 
should  be  removed  at  once,  and  the  hole  enlarged  somewhat  to 
allow  a  free  escape  of  any  pus  that  may  form.  The  hole  may  be 
filled  with  turpentine,  or  a  solution  of  carbolic  acid,  or  still  bet- 
ter, our  Healing  Ix>tion  (see  Appendix),  and  plugged  with  cot- 
ton to  keep  out  the  dirt.  If  the  hole  is  found  filled  up,  it  should 
be  well  opened  and  cleaned  out,  and  a  warm  poultice  of  equal 
parts  of  wheat  bran  and  linseed  meal  be  tied  on  the  whole  foot, 
and  changed  every  six  hours  until  four  or  five  poultices  have  been 
applied.  While  the  poultice  is  off,  keep  the  hole  plugged  with 
cotton  saturated  with  our  Healing  Lotion.  While  you  are  not 
poulticing,  the  cotton  should  be  changed  every  day  and  the 
wound  dressed  nicely.  Keep  the  horse  in  a  dry,  clean  place  until 
the  sore  heals  up.  Give  rest  and  a  laxative  diet.  Close  attention 
and  thorough  cleanliness  will  often  ward  off  an  attack  of  lockjaw. 

QUITTOE. 

A  quittor  is  a  running  sore  at  the  top  of  the  hoof,  extending 
down  inside  of  the  hoof,  sometimes  penetrating  deeply  and  in- 
volving the  bone. 

Causes. — Pus  occurring  in  the  foot,  from  any  cause  whatever^ 
may  result  in  quittor,  for  the  reason  that  the  pus,  being  unable  to 
escape,  extends  in  various  directions,  destroying  the  tissues  in 
its  course,  increases  in  quantity,  until,  finally  reaching  the  top  of 
the  hoof,  it  bursts  forth,  making  an  outlet  for  itself  and  form- 
ing a  running  sore,  when  it  becomes  known  as  a  quittor.  Nail  in 
the  foot,  suppurating  corns,  or  pricks  from  being  shod,  may  all 
run  into  quittor  by  the  matter  being  unable  to  get  out  the.  bot- 
tom of  the  foot.  A  gravel  will  sometimes  work  out  the  top  of  the 
hoof  and  form  a  quittor. 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  239 

Symptoms. — The  animal  becomes  very  lame,  and  on  examining 
the  foot  a  hard  swelling  will  be  found  at  the  top  of  the  hoof, 
which  becomes  soft  in  a  day  or  two  and  bursts  and  runs  pus. 
A  hole  remains  which  does  not  heal.  Sometimes  two  or  three 
holes  are  formed,  and  then  it  is  a  very  serious  thing.  Very  fre- 
quently matter  will  burst  out  at  the  top  of  the  hoof,  and  in  a 
day  or  two  will  all  heal  up.    Such  a  ease  is  not  a  quittor. 

Treatment. — Quittor  when  once  well  established  is  very  hard  to 
cure.  Remove  the  shoe  and  thin  down  the  sole  and  try  and  let 
the  matter  out  at  the  bottom  by  free  drainage.  Inject  a  little  of 
the  following  solution  into  the  opening:  Corrosive  sublimate  1 
dram,  alcohol  2  ounces.  Dissect  away  all  the  diseased  portions 
above  the  hoof  and  cauterize  it  with  a  hot  iron.  In  a  bad  case 
of  quittor  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon  should  be  employed. 
Treatment  is  so  difficult  and  uncertain  that  the  average  horse 
owner  will  not  make  much  headway  in  the  treatment  of  quittor. 

THRUSH. 

Thrush  is  a  disease  of  the  horse's  foot,  shown  by  a  very  bad 
smelling,  dark-colored  matter  coming  from  the  cleft  of  the  frog. 

Causes. — The  most  common  cause  of  thrush  is  the  filthy  con- 
dition of  the  stable  or  lot  in  which  the  horse  is  kept.  A  sudden 
change  from  dryness  to  excessive  moisture  may  cause  the  disease. 
Muddy  streets  and  roads,  especially  where  mineral  substances  are 
plentiful,  cause  the  disease.  Contracted  heels,  scratches  and  nav- 
icular disease  predispose  to  thrush. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  discharge  of  a  yellowish  or  dark-col- 
ored matter  from  the  cleft  of  the  frog.  This  matter  has  a  very 
offensive  smell,  and  if  once  smelled  ^vill  always  be  remembered. 


240  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

There  may  be  some  tenderness,  but  it  is  seldom  that  the  disease 
causes  lameness. 

Treatment. — If  the  animal  is  standing  in  filth  or  mud,  remove 
him  to  a  clean,  dry  place.  Trim  off  all  diseased  and  ragged  portions 
of  the  frog  and  wash  all  dirt  and  filth  thoroughly  from  the  whole 
foot  and  apply  a  linseed  or  wheat  bran  poultice  to  the  affected 
parts  for  one  or  two  days.  Add  a  little  carbolic  acid  to  the  poul- 
tice to  remove  the  bad  smell.  After  removing  poultice,  clean  out 
the  cleft  of  the  frog  and  pour  in  a  little  peroxide  of  hydrogen 
twice  a  day  and  pack  a  piece  of  cotton  well  into  the  frog  to  retain 
the  medicine  and  keep  out  dirt.  Calomel  dusted  into  the  frog 
once  a  day  and  retained  in  it  by  a  little  cotton  is  a  good  remedy. 

CANKER. 

Canker  is  a  cancerous-looking  fungoid  growth  in  connection 
with  the  frog  or  heel  of  the  horse's  foot. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  seen  more  frequently  in  heavy  draft 
horses.  The  essential  cause  of  canker  is  the  presence  of  a  vege- 
table parasite,  which  gains  access  to  the  foot  of  the  horse  by 
standing  in  filthy  stalls  and  stables.  It  may  also  follow  thrush, 
grease,  or  cracked  heels. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  soft,  spongy,  unhealthy  looking  growth 
in  connection  with  some  part  of  the  frog  or  heel  of  the  foot.  On 
being  cut  it  bleeds  very  freely,  and  there  is  generally  a  mattery 
discharge  of  a  very  offensive  odor.  The  growth  may  extend  and 
involve  the  whole  sole  and  frog,  and  the  horse  is  more  or  less 
lame. 

Treatment. — The  treatment  of  cankers  is  tedious,  and  not  very 
successful,  it  being  in  all  cases  difficult  to  cure.    Unless  in  a  valu- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  241 

able  aBimal  we  wouldn't  advise  treatment,  as  it  will  take  more 
time  and  expense  than  the  animal  is  worth,  and  then  you  are 
liable  to  fail  in  your  efforts.  If  treatment  is  advisable,  cut  away 
all  diseased  parts  you  can  with  a  sharp  knife,  and  cauterize  it 
with  a  hot  iron  to  stop  the  blood  and  destroy  what  remaining 
portions  of  the  disease  you  can.  Keep  the  foot  as  clean  as  pos- 
sible and  apply  equal  parts  of  powdered  charcoal  and  calomel 
twice  per  day.  A  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid  may  be  bene- 
ficial. Give  in  the  feed  2  tablespoonsful  of  Fowler's  Solution  of 
Arsenic  once  a  day  for  two  or  three  weeks. 

SAND-CEACK. 

A  sand-crack  is  a  fissure  or  crack  in  the  wall  of  the  hoof. 
These  cracks  may  exist  in  any  part  of  the  wall,  and  receive  vari- 
ous names,  according  to  their  loca- 
tion. Thus  a  crack  in  the  front  part 
of  the  hoof  is  called  a  centre-crack 
or  toe  crack,  and  one  at  the  quarter 
a  quarter-crack.  (Fig.  52.)  The 
crack  may  extend  part  way  or  all  the 
way  from  top  to  bottom.  Some 
cracks  begin  at  the  top  and  extend 
downward,  while  others  begin  at 
the    bottom    and    work    up.     The 

Fig.  52.    Quarter- Crack.  ^ 

former  are  much  more  severe.  A 
crack  beginning  at  the  bottom  and  extending  up  a  short  distance 
seldom  if  ever  causes  any  trouble. 

Causes. — Horses  having  thin,  brittle  lioofs.  and  being  driven 
o\i  hard  roads  in  dry  weather,  are  liable  to  have  sand-cracks. 
They  are  very  common  among  trotting  and  running  horses  by 
being  worked  so  fast  on  hard  tracks.  Shoeing  with  high  heels 
and  toe  calks  may  cause  sand-cracks.    Horses  standing  on  hard, 


242  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

dry  floors,  with  ho  care  being  taken  of  tlie  feet,  are  liable  Lo 
have  the  trouble.  Every  horse  that  is  worked  or  ridden  during 
the  dry  summer  should  be  stood  in  water  for  an  hour  at  a  time 
two  or  three  times  a  week.  This  cools  out  the  feet  and  keeps  the 
hoofs  moist,  pliable  and  healthy. 

Symptoms. — The  crack  can  generally  be  plainly  seen,  but  at 
first  it  may  be  very  small,  but  still  cause  lameness.  The  crack 
may  be  very  small  and  just  beginning  at  the  top,  but  it  is  sore 
and  painful,  and  causes  blood  to  ooze  out.  A  toe-crack  in  the 
hind  foot  is  generally  a  very  serious  trouble.  Dishonest  traders 
or  dealers  sometimes  fill  up  the  crack  with  tar,  hoof  ointment, 
guttapercha,  etc.,  or  walk  a  horse  through  the  mud  to  conceal 
the  crack  before  trading.  A  horse  may  have  an  extensive  toe- 
crack  or  quarter-crack  and  not  be  lame  at  all.  It  constitutes  an 
unsoundness,  and  should  be  looked  upon  with  suspicion. 

Treatment.  —  Give  the  animal  rest,  pare  the  foot  under  the 
crack,  and  put  on  a  shoe  to  take  pressure  off  the  affected  quarter 
or  part  of  the  toe.  There  are  several  forms  of  treatment  used  in 
this  trouble,  all  of  which  are  very  good  if  properly  carried  out. 
The  form  of  treatment  we  prefer  is  to  take  out  a  piece  of  the 
hoof  the  shape  of  the  leter  V  with  the  base  upwards,  and  right 
at  the  top  border  of  the  hoof  and  the  point  comes  into  the  crack. 
Have  each  side  of  this  letter  V  about  one  inch  long.  By  taking 
out  a  piece  of  the  hoof  right  across  where  the  crack  begins  will 
let  the  hoof  grow  solid  when  it  grows  in.  A  good  blister  of  our 
Spavin  Cure  should  be  applied  in  the  hair  just  above  where  the 
crack  was  after  operating  on  it,  to  stimulate  a  more  strong  and 
healthy  growth  of  hoof.  After  blistering,  grease  well  every  day 
with  sweet  oil.  Keep  the  horse  quiet  for  a  couple  of  weeks  dur- 
ing treatment,  and  then  turn  him  to  grass  for  two  or  three 
months,  when  a  cure  is  generally  complete.  Another  form  of 
treatment  is  to  put  on  a  nice,  light  brass  plate  or  clinch  to  pre- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


243 


v.ent  motion  in  the  parts.  A  small  cotton  rope  may  be  wound 
around  the  hoof  from  top  to  bottom  very  tightly,  and  then  paint 
it  with  tar,  and  turn  the  horse  on  pasture  for  a  couple  of  months. 
Sometimes  a  nail  can  be  expertly  driven  through  the  edffes  of  the 
crack  to  hold  it  together. 

COFFIN- JOINT  LAMENESS. 


This  disease  is  more  properly  known  as  "Navicular  Disease/'* 
as  the  little  navicular  bone  is  the  part  mostly  affected.    (See  Fig. 

53.)  The  flexor  tendon  and 
bursa  of  the  joint  are  also 
diseased  in  most  of  cases,  but 
the  disease  more,  frequently 
begins  in  the  bone.  It  is 
estimated  that  this  disease 
is  the  cause  of  a  majority  of 
all  serious  and  obscure  lame- 
ness in  the  front  feet  of 
horses,  and  if  neglected  or 
not  properly  treated  for  three 
or  six  months,  it  becomes  in- 
curable by  certain  changes 
taking  place  in  the  parts. 


Fig.  53.    Navicular  Disease. 


Causes. — The  most  frequent  cause  of  coffin-joint  lameness  is 
hard  and  fast  work  on  hard  roads,  and  sprains  of  the  joint.  In 
some  cases  the  disease  is  produced  suddenly,  as  by  a  severe  sprain* 
and  at  other  times  it  comes  on  very  gradually.  The  disease  is 
seen  more  frequently  in  certain  breeds  of  horses,  as  those  having 
straight,  upright  pasterns  and  a  pounding  action  while  traveling. 
One  or  both  front  feet  may  be  affected,  but  it  rar(»ly  ever  occurs  in 
the  hind  feet.  The  disease  may  be  caused  by  nails  piercing 
through  the  frog  and  injuring  the  flexor  tendon  or  the  coffin? 


244  Dr.  LeGeab's  Stock  Book. 

joint.  Improper  shoeing  is  undoubtedly  a  very  frequent  cau^ 
of  coffin-joint  lameness.  This  is  brought  about  by  raising  or 
lowering  the  heels  too  much,  allowing  the  toe  to  grow  too  long, 
or  any  cause  of  changing  the  proper  adjustment  of  the  foot,  etc. 
The  frog  is  nature's  great  cushion  or  support  to  the  foot,  and 
when  it  is  removed  from  the  ground  by  paring  or  by  high-heeled 
shoes,  the  foot  is  then  far  more  Hable  to  diseases  of  various 
kinds.  The  frog  should  be  allowed  to  come  on  the  ground,  as 
nature  intended  it  should. 

Symptoms. — This  disease  in  most  of  cases  comes  on  very  grad- 
ually. The  horse  is  noticed  slightly  lame,  or  a  little  tender,  for 
one,  two,  or  three  days  or  a  week,  when  it  will  disappear  as 
mysteriously  as  it  came.  In  a  few  weeks  the  lameness  returns, 
but  will  be  a  little  worse,  and  last  a  few  days  longer  than  the  first 
attack.  It  may  continue  to  appear  and  disappear  for  three  or 
four  attacks,  when  it  is  liable  to  come  to  stay.  The  horse  points 
the  foot — that  is,  places  it  out  in  front  of  the  other — and  con- 
traction may  or  may  not  be  present.  After  a  time  contraction  of 
the  heel,  wasting  of  the  frog,  and  in  fact  the  whole  foot  gets 
smaller  than  the  healthy  one.  When  both  front  feet  are  affected 
the  animal  will  first  point  one  and  then  the  other.  By  placing 
the  foot  out  in  front  it  takes  the  strain  off  the  flexor  tendon  and 
the  navicular  bone,  thus  giving  relief.  The  wall  of  the  foot  gets 
hard,  smooth,  and  glassy,  and  not  rough  and  in  ridges  as  in 
founder.  The  animal  has  a  tendency  to  stumble  and  wears  the 
toe  of  the  shoe  off  first.  The  soreness  of  this  disease  is  in  the 
heel,  and  the  animal  tries  to  bring  his  toe  to  the  ground  first, 
while  founder  affects  principally  the  toe  of  the  foot,  and  the  ani- 
mal tries  to  get  relief  by  standing  and  walking  on  its  heels.  If 
this  disease  is  caused  by  a  severe  sprain  or  by  an  injury,  the 
symptoms  will  be  more  suddenly  developed.  He  may  improve 
after  a  few  days,  and  then  take  worse  and  run  much  tlie  same 
course  as  that  described  above.     The  advancement  this  disease 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  245 

makes  depends  a  great  deal  on  the  kind  of  work  an  animal  ha* 
to  do.  If  used  regularly  on  hard  roads,  they  will  as  a  general 
thing  get  so  lame  they  are  useless  in  a  few  months;  while  for 
farm  work  they  may  go  on  and  work  tolerably  well  for  years. 
When  both  front  feet  are  affected  about  alike,  an  animal  can't 
limp,  but  will  have  a  peculiar  short  step,  called  "groggy  action." 

Treatment.  —  The  curative  treatment  of  this  disease,  unless 
taken  in  the  early  stages,  is  almost  useless.  There  are  certain 
changes  that  take  place  in  connection  with  the  navicular  bone 
and  flexor  tendon  that  can  not  be  rectified  when  once  established. 
So  many  horsemen  and  would-be  horse  doctors  locate  every  ob« 
scure  lameness  a  horse  has  in  front,  in  the  shoulders,  and  put 
the  poor  brute  to  unnecessary  suffering  by  blistering,  burning, 
seatoning,  etc.,  the  shoulder,  when  invariably  the  lameness  is 
in  the  foot.  In  shoulder  lameness  the  animal  has  difficulty  in 
picking  up  the  foot  and  bringing  it  forward,  but  if  the  soreness 
is  below  the  knee  he  will  have  no  trouble  in  this  respect.  A  horse 
affected  in  both  feet  does  look,  to  an  ordinary  observer,  as  though 
it  might  be  in  the  shoulders,  by  the  animal  being  so  stiff,  but  this 
is  brought  about  by  the  animal  trying  to  keep  both  feet  on  the 
ground  all  the  time;  therefore  he  steps  very  short.  When  the 
disease  is  first  detected  the  animal  should  be  laid  off  from  ail 
work,  the  shoe  removed,  and  the  foot  at  the  toe  pared  down,  and 
a  shoe  with  slightly  thickened  heels  put  on  to  tip  the  foot  slight- 
ly forward.  Then  place  the  foot  in  a  warm  water  bath.  Provide 
a  tub  or  box,  into  which  put  about  eight  inches  of  water  as  warm 
as  the  hand  will  stand,  and  keep  it  at  about  the  same  temperature 
by  adding  hot  water  occasionally.  Stand  the  horse  in  the  water 
for  two  hours  at  a  time  twice  a  day  for  one  week  or  ten  days.  If 
tlie  fever  and  soreness  seem  to  be  pretty  well  gone  by  that  time, 
then  apply  a  good  blister,  using  our  Spavin  Cure  (see  Appendix) 
well  rubbed  into  the  heels  and  quarters.  This  form  of  treatment 
thoroughly  carried  out  at  the  beginning  of  the  disease  may  form 


246  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

^  cure.  In  place  of  the  hot  water  bath,  warm  bran  poultices  may 
be  kept  on  the  feet  several  hours  a  day.  After  the  disease  is  well 
^tablished  the  above  treatment  will  only  relieve  and  not  cure  it. 
When  the  disease  becomes  incurable,  all  we  can  do  is  to  relieve 
the  animal  by  certain  forms  of  shoeing,  keeping  the  foot  soft  by 
bathing,  or  by  nerving  the  foot.  Apply  either  a  bar  shoe  with 
slightly  tliickened  heels,  or  a  light,  plain  shoe  with  a  small  heel 
salk,  to  raise  the  heels  slightly.  (See  Figs.  4  and  5,  Plate 
VI.,  special  shoes,  page  254.)  During  the  dry  summer  weathet 
stand  the  horse  either  in  a  mud  or  water  bath  to  his  ankles  three 
or  four  times  a  week  for  an  hour  at  a  time,  and  blister  the  quarters 
and  heels  once  a  month  with  our  Spavin  Cure.  After  the  animal 
gets  so  lame  he  is  useless  for  the  work  he  is  intended  to  do,  then 
the  only  relief  for  him  is  bv  performing  the  operation  of  neurot- 
omy (nerving),  which  is  done  by  cutting  a  small  hole  just  above 
the  ankle  on  each  side  and  removing  a  portion  of  the  nerve.  It 
is  advisable  to  perform  this  operation  only  in  animals  that 
have  good,  strong  feet.  No  matter  how  sore  the  foot  is,  the  ani- 
mal will  not  limp  after  the  operation  is  performed,  as  there  is  no 
feeling  left  in  the  foot.  By  being  careful  what  kind  of  feet  we 
operate  on,  we  have  had  good  success  with  this  operation.  In 
some  cases  the  animal  will  go  on  and  do  its  regular  work  for 
years  without  laming  at  all.  This  operation,  although  not  suc- 
cessful in  all  cases,  is  in  some  cases  an  act  of  mercy  to  perform, 
as  it  instantly  relieves  all  pain  from  the  poor  sufferer's  foot.  As 
this  is  a  particular  operation,  we  wouldn't  advise  any  one  but  a 
<iualified  veterinary  surgeon  to  perform  it,  as  he  can  judge 
whether  the  operation  is  advisable,  and  is  competent  of  perform- 
it  if  necessary. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  247 

CHAPTER  XVIII. 
HORSESHOEING. 

History  tells  us  that  the  Romans  made  horseshoes  and  used 
them  on  their  horses  about  the  eleventh  and  twelfth  centuries. 
The  first  shoe  consisted  of  a  thin  plate,  with  a  rim  around  the 
outside,  which  covered  the  whole  ground  surface  of  the  foot. 
x\round  the  outside  of  this  plate  rings  or  loops  were  fastened, 
through  which  small  ropes  were  drawn,  and  in  this  way  the  shoe 
was  fastened  to  the  hoof  and  pastern.  This  mode  of  fastening 
became  unsatisfactory,  and  a  ^bstitute  was  found  in  the  so-called 
"Asiatic  cap  iron  sole,"  which  was  also  made  of  a  plate  of  iron 
covering  the  whole  sole,  with  a  rim  around  the  outside  of  it  about 
one-half  inch  in  height,  and  upon  this  rim,  on  both  sides  of  the 
shoe,  rose  three  beak-like  projections  about  one  inch  high,  which 
were  fastened  into  the  wall  of  the  hoof  in  the  form  of  a  hook. 
This  mode  of  fastening  also  being  insufficient,  fastening  of  the 
shoes  by  nails,  as  at  the  present  time,  was  adopted.  The  iron 
plates  with  rims  were  too  thin  to  allow  nails  with  sunken  heads 
to  be  used,  so  nails  with  cubical  shaped  heads  were  used.  A  shoe 
containing  a  groove  made  its  appearance  first  in  Germany  in  the 
fifteenth  century,  and  from  this  time,  as  far  as  we  know,  ceases 
the  period  of  the  Roman  horseshoe.  Its  influence,  however,  has 
even  remained  until  our  present  day.  The  science  of  horseshoe- 
ing at  the  present  time  is  a  question  of  vast  importance,  not  only 
to  mechanics,  but  to  every  thinking  mind.  It  is  not  fully  real- 
ized the  amount  of  injury  being  done  by  poor  horseshoeing.  The 
art  of  farriery  is  a  branch  of  science  which  is  very  valuable  to  the 
public.  The  public  ought  to  support  the  educated  farrier,  one 
who  has  studied  the  anatomy  of  the  horse's  hoof,  is  progressive, 
skilled  in  his  profession,  and  no  other.     Practical  and  scientific 


248 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


horseshoeing  is  what  is  needed  at  the  present  time,  more  so  than 
ever  before. 

THE  FOOT. 


Preparing  the  foot  for  the  shoe  is  of  the  greatest  practical 
importance  in  the  farrier's  art.  This  is  one  of  the  first  things  he 
must  learn  to  do,  and  it  takes  considerable  time,  study,  and  prac- 
tice to  learn  how  to  do  it  prop- 
erly. It  is  advisable  at  first  to 
get  a  dead  foot,  dissect  it,  and 
study  its  anatomy  before  prac- 
ticing on  the  living  animal,  as 
most  beginners  do.  You  will 
find  the  anatomy  of  a  horse's 
foot  an  interesting  study,  and 
time  spent  studying  it  will  not 
be  time  lost.  The  structure 
learned,  you  will  know  where  to 
cut  and  where  to  stop  cutting 
in  the  preparation  of  the  foot 
for  the  shoe.  All  extra  growth 
of  wall  and  sole  should  be  care- 
fully removed  by  cutting  or 
rasping  it  down  to  its  natural 
size.  (Fig.  54.)  Use  a  great  deal  of  judgment  in  doing  this,  as 
there  are  scarcely  two  feet  alike.  Some  grow  fast,  while  others 
grow  slow;  some  are  high-heeled,  and  some  low;  some  have  thick, 
concave  soles,  while  others  are  thin  and  flat.  Flat-footed  horses 
have  thin  soles,  while  club  feet,  etc.,  have  the  opposite.  A  good 
rule  to  go  by  is  to  pare  down  the  foot  until  you  come  to  what 
may  be  called  the  "white  line,"  or  union  of  sole  and  wall.  All 
the  horn  removed  in  cutting  down  to  this  white  line  is  extra 
growth  and  should  be  cut  away.     In  flat  feet  little  paring  is 


Fig.  54.  The  Foot,  ready  for  the  shoe, 
showing  the  frog  and  bars  as  they 
should  be  left. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  249 

necessary,  which  are  seldom  afflicted  with  contraction,  while 
the  strong  foot  is  very  prone  to  contraction,  and  needs  consider- 
able paring  to  prepare  it  for  the  shoe.  After  paring  down  to  the 
union  of  sole  and  wall,  care  must  be  taken  to  leave  the  foot  a  per- 
fect level — a  dead  level  fore  and  aft  and  from  side  to  side.  A 
foot  may  be  perfectly  level  on  the  bottom  and  yet  not  be  properly 
balanced.  That  the  angle  of  the  wall  varies  in  different  horses 
is  a  fact  known  to  all  horseshoers.  What  that  angle  should 
he  must  be  determined  by  a  lateral  survey  of  the  foot  and  limb, 
so  as  to  have  the  strain  or  weight  equally  divided.  Step  in  front 
or  behind  the  animal  and  note  if  the  limb  tilts  in  or  out.  If  it 
does,  the  hoof  is  not  level  on  the  ground  surface,  and  must  be 
made  level  and  well  balanced  before  the  shoe  is  applied.  If  this 
tevelling  and  balancing  can  not  be  properly  done  with  the  eye 
alone,  a  compass  for  the  purpose  may  be  of  considerable  service 
in  fitting  the  foot  for  the  shoe. 

The  object  of  the  frog  of  the  foot  is  to  break  concussion,  and 
when  in  a  healthy  state  should  never  be  touched  with  a  knife, 
except  to  pare  away  the  ragged  edges,  etc.  Prof.  David  Eoberge 
says:  "My  opinion  is  that  when  the  dead  level  of  the  foot  and  its 
perfect  balance  in  all  directions  is  fully  understood  and  gen- 
erally })racticed,  we  shall  hear  of  greater  speed  and  capacity  for 
endurance  among  racing  and  trotting  horses  than  we  have  yet 
witnessed;  that  there  will  be  physical  and  mental  developments 
in  horses  not  dreamed  of  in  the  common  philosophy;  that  lame- 
ness will  virtually  become  a  reminiscence;  horses  will  enjoy  bet- 
ter health  and  condition;  people  who  own  horses  will  have  less 
plagues  and  losses  from  such  property,  and  as  a  consequence 
more  pleasure  and  gains;  and  though  last  in  the  list,  not  the  least 
important  result  will  be  a  higher  respect  for  horseshoeing  as  an 
art — for  it  must  needs  be  through  the  instrumentality  of  im- 
proved horseshoeing  that  these  benefits  can  erer  be  brought 
about." 


250  Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


THE  SHOE. 

The  shoe  will  depend  somewhat  upon  the  weight  and  size  of 
the  animal  and  the  nature  of  the  work  he  has  to  perform.  Draft 
horses,  of  course,  usually  require  heavy  shoes  with  calks  attached, 
while  driving  horses  need  only  light  plates.  In  all  cases,  make 
the  shoes  as  light  as  the  nature  of  the  animaFs  work  will  admit 
of.  The  only  mission  of  the  shoe  is  to  prevent  undue  wear  of  the 
walls,  and  a  light  one  will  do  this  quite  as  well  as  a  heavy  one; 
it  is  erroneous  to  think  that  a  heavy  shoe  in  all  cases  will  wear 
longer  than  a  light  one.  This  is  even  true  with  reference  to  our 
heavy  draft  horses.  Let  the  shoe  he  of  good  length,  perfectly 
level  on  the  bearing  surface  to  correspond  to  the  prepared  foot, 
and  of  a  weight  to  suit  the  animal;  as  horses  of  same  size  require 
shoes  of  different  weight.  The  fore  shoes  may  vary  in  weight 
from  ten  to  twenty  ounces;  the  hind  ones  from  eight  to  twelve 
ounces,  according  to  the  size  and  requirements  of  the  animal.  In 
cases  of  deformity,  lameness,  eto.,  good  results  are  obtainable 
from  mechanical  means,  but  all  such  cases  should  be  under  the 
supervision  of  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon.  In  France  expan- 
sion of  the  hoof  by  mechanical  means  (Fig.  48,  p.  230)  is  advo- 
cated and  practiced  more  than  anywhere  else.  They  are  bene- 
ficial, no  doubt,  in  many  cases  of  contracted  feet,  but  there  is  a 
far  more  simple,  safe,  and  effective  means  of  attaining  that  end, 
explained  in  the  treatment  for  contraction. 

It  would  seem  unnecessary  to  say  that  the  shoe  should  be  so 
shaped  as  to  fit  the  foot,  and  not  the  foot  to  fit  the  shoe,  as  is 
so  generally  practiced.  Of  course  it  is  much  easier  to  make  the 
foot  to  fit  the  shoe  than  it  is  to  make  the  shoe  to  fit  the  foot,  but 
such  an  excuse  is  a  lazy  one  on  the  part  of  the  shoer.  The  rasp 
should  never  be  used  on  the  outside  of  the  wall,  as  by  doing  so 
you  remove  the  crust  which  forms  a  protection  to  the  hoof.  If 
the  shoe  is  properly  fitted,  a  touch  of  the  rasp  under  each  clinch 


Right  filtiJifj.      O') 


Wmnff/iUw.ff.    W*-^ 


The  Tip. 
Plate  V.    FITTIXG  THE  SHOE. 


17 


[p-  261] 


262  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

would  be  all  that  is  necessary,  and  even  this  niiich  might  be  dis- 
pensed with.  Plate  V.,  Figs.  1  and  2,  will  give  you  an  idea  of 
correct  and  incorrect  fitting. 

FITTING. 

There  is  what  is  called  hot  fitting  and  cold  fitting,  either  of 
which  being  practiced  more  or  less  in  different  countries,  cli- 
mates, etc.,  according  to  the  objects  desired.  Systematic  experi- 
ments a  few  years  ago  in  regard  to  hot  and  cold  fitting  proved 
that  hot  fitting  gave  the  best  results.  These  experiments  were 
carried  on  in  the  old  country  in  conection  with  cavalry  horses, 
where  the  climate  is  moist,  etc.  The  advantage  of  hot  fitting 
consists  in  the  fact  that  complete  contact  between  the  hoof  and 
the  shoe  can  thus  be  more  readily  obtained  than  by  any  other 
method;  also,  the  shoes  can  be  made  to  stay  on  better  and 
longer,  especially  in  moist  climates.  Our  climate  being  dry  and 
hot  most  of  the  year,  cold  fitting  proves  the  more  satisfactory  and 
is  in  general  use.  As  a  general  thing,  in  our  country,  the  shoes 
are  usually  allowed  to  remain  on  too  long,  especially  in  the  agri- 
cultural districts.  We  are  acquainted  with  the  fact  that  if  the  shoer 
fails  in  certain  custom  work  to  make  the  shoes  stay  on  for  sev- 
eral months,  his  employer  would  be  dissatisfied  and  would  trans- 
fer his  work  elsewhere.  Such  conduct  could  not  be  more  short- 
sighted nor  more  unreasonable.  As  the  horse's  foot  grows  out, 
it  becomes  too  large  on  the  bottom  for  the  shoe,  which  should 
not  be  left  on  over  a  month,  or  six  weeks  at  the  very  longest; 
many  animals  require  to  be  shod  even  more  frequently.  A  badly 
fitting  shoe  is  to  a  horse  as  painful  as  a  tight  boot  is  to  his  owner. 
The  practice  of  leaving  the  shoes  on  too  long  is  a  penny-wise 
and  pound-foolish  ])olicy. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  253 


NAILS. 

The  following  old  adage  is  quite  a  compliment  to  the  horse- 
shoe nail: 

••  For  the  want  of  a  nail  the  shoe  was  lost;  * 
For  the  want  of  a  shoe  the  horse  was  lost; 
For  the  want  of  a  horse  the  rider  was  lost; 
And  all  for  the  want  of  a  horseshoe  nail." 

The  fewest  nails,  and  those  of  the  smallest  size  that  will  hold 
the  shoe  on  the  proper  length  of  time,  is  a  good  rule  to  follow. 
The  nail  holes  should  not  be  punched  too  near  the  outside  edge 
of  the  web  of  the  shoe — a  very  common  failing  of  "keg  shoes." 
Two  of  the  commonest  errors  in  shoeing  are,  using  too  many 
nails,  and  these  of  too  large  a  size,  and  then  driving  them  up 
too  high  into  the  walls.  If  the  foot  has  been  properly  pared  and 
a  perfectly  level  bearing  secured,  it  is  astonishing  how  few  and 
how  small  nails  will  hold  the  shoe  firmly  in  its  place;  but  if  the 
fitting  has  been  carelessly  done,  no  matter  how  the  shoe  may  be 
nailed  on,  but  a  short  time  will  elapse  before  the  shoe  works 
loose.  If  we  could  do  away  with  nails  altogether,  it  would  be  a 
good  thing  for  our  horse's  feet.  This,  however,  we  can  not  do  at 
present,  and  will  continue  to  use  nails,  which  have  stood  the  test 
so  long,  until  something  better  is  invented.  Nailless  horse- 
shoes have  befen  invented  and  patented  of  late,  but  don't  seem  to 
come  into  general  use.  We  have  been  unable  to  see  and  examine 
any  of  theBe  shoes,  so  can't  speak  of  their  merits. 

The  "Charlier  shoe,"  invented  some  years  ago  by  a  veterinary 
surgeon  of  Paris,  France,  is  no  doubt  a  shoe  that  has  not  received 
the  attention  that  it  should.  In  writing  of  this  shoe,  William 
Dickson  says:  "I  have  used  both  the  Charlier  shoe  and  the  tip  in 
this  country  as  well  as  in  the  East  Indies,  and  I  am  perfectly 


Plate  VII.    SPECIAL  SHOES. 


[p.  255J 


256  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

satisfied  that  in  many  respects  they  are  superior  to  any  other 
model.  They  are  infinitely  lighter,  the  nails  are  smaller  and 
fewer  in  number — all  steps  in  the  right  direction;  but  the  domi- 
nant superiority  of  the  device  consists  in  the  fact  that  the  frog 
obtains  pressure  to  the  extent  contemplated  by  nature,  and  in 
the  case  of  the  Charlier  tip  particularly,  the  exercise  of  its  double 
function  as  a  buffer  and  dilator  is  absolutely  untrammeled  by 
the  shoe."    (See  Fig.  3,  Plate  V.) 

FINISHING,  ETC. 

When  the  shoes  have  been  fitted,  the  nails  driven,  drawn  up, 
and  clinched,  see  that  nothing  is  left  undone.  It  frequently  hap- 
pens, however,  at  this  stage  that  the  incompetent  workman  in- 
flicts serious  and  lasting  injury  on  the  foot.  If  the  wall  has  not 
been  sufficiently  reduced  in  leveling  the  foot,  or  if  the  shoe  used 
is  too  small,  the  rasp  is  required  to  reduce  the  projecting  parts. 
While  in  some  cases  the  whole  outside  surface  of  the  wall  is 
rasped  and  smoothed  off.  Such  finishing  touches  are  very  hurt- 
ful to  the  foot,  and  should  never  be  practiced.  Covering  the 
whole  outside  wall  of  the  foot,  from  the  coronet  to  the  flole  level, 
is  a  thin  protective  membrane  or  crust,  which  should  never  be 
destroyed.  Easping  this  protective  covering  away  robs  the  foot 
of  natural  protection,  moisture,  secretion,  etc. 

SHOEING  FOE  A  SPECIFIC  PUEPOSE. 

There  are  many  styles  of  shoes,  the  product  of  American  in- 
genuity, for  the  purpose  of  mitigating  or  overcoming  certain  de- 
fects, such  as  interfering,  forging,  stumbling,  etc.  Shoeing  for 
a  specific  purpose  has  made  greater  progress  in  America  than  in 
any  other  country  on  the  face  of  the  globe.  The  styles  of  shoes 
invented  for  this  purpose  are  without  number,  and  many  of 
them  are  well  adapted  for  the  purpose  of  overcoming  faulty  gait 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  257 

and  uneven  action.  Many,  however,  are  only  applicable  to  horses 
used  Bolely  for  speed,  and  in  a  treatise  of  this  kind  an  attempt  at 
classification  would  be  out  of  the  question.  We  will  endeavor, 
however,  to  lay  down  a  few  rules  to  go  by  in  shoeing  horses  for 
certain  defects  met  with  in  nearly  every  day  practice. 

As  a  majority  of  these  troubles  are  due  to  an  unbalanced  action 
caused  by  an  unbalanced  foot,  the  one  and  all-important  point 
is  to  see  that  the  foot  is  perfectly  level  and  properly  balanced; 
and  as  a  general  thing  the  horse  will  travel  all  right.  If  you  fail 
to  make  him  go  sound  by  this  process,  other  means  (mechanical) 
must  be  employed. 

OVERREACH,  OR  FORGING. 

This  is  where  the  shoe  of  the  hind  foot  strikes  and  injures  the 
heel  or  quarter  of  the  fore  foot.  It  is  common  in  trotting  and 
running  horses,  or  horses  that  do  fast  work.  The  parts  injured 
are  usually  the  outside  heels  and  quarters. 

Treatment. — As  a  general  thing,  a  horse  that  forges  is  not 
properly  balanced  in  build.  If  he  has  a  low,  gliding  gait  behind, 
place  a  heavier  shoe  on  behind  than  in  front,  which  wdll  have  a 
tendency  to  slow  his  action  behind,  and  allow  the  fore  feet  time 
to  get  out  of  the  way.  Give  such  a  horse  a  long  toe  behind,  and  a 
full  heel  to  the  shoe.  Tight  reining  in  some  cases  may  stop 
forging.  Another  mode  of  shoeing  is  to  leave  the  toes  long  on 
the  front  feet,  and  raise  the  heels  of  the  hind  feet.  With  many 
horses  this  last  method  will  answer,  while  in  other  cases  nearly 
the  opposite  will  be  necessary,  as  long  toes  behind  with  no  heels, 
and  high  quarter  rolling  motion  shoes  to  the  fore  feet.  It  will 
be  seen  from  this  that  what  will  do  in  one  case  fails  in  another. 
Mftke  the  shoes  as  light  as  possible.  If  the  injury  is  slight,  use 
cold  water  bandages  for  a  few  days.    If  the  parts  are  deeply  cut, 


258  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

it  is  well  to  poultice  the  parts  for  a  day  or  two,  after  which 
apply  our  Healing  Lotion  (see  Appendix)  and  put  on  a  rollei* 
bandage. 

INTERFERING. 

Interfering  in  animals  is  where  one  foot  strikes  the  opposite 
leg,  as  it  passes  by,  while  traveling.  The  inner  surface  of  the  fet- 
lock joint  is  usually  the  part  injured,  and  is  seen  more  often  in 
the  hind  than  in  the  fore  legs. 

Causes. — The  i:>rincipal  causes  are  faulty  conformation,  allow- 
the  feet  to  grow  too  long,  improper  shoeing,  weakness  from  ex- 
haustive labor,  etc. 

Treatment. — It  may  in  some  cases  be  difficult  to  overcome. 
See  that  the  foot  is  perfectly  level  and  properly  balanced  be- 
fore nailing  on  the  shoe.  If  this  does  not  stop  it,  lower  th«; 
inside  quarter  by  rasping  down  the  .wall,  and  then  put  on  the 
shoe;  or  weight  the  shoe  on  the  outside  web,  to  widen  his  action. 
(Fig.  2,  Plate  VII.)  Bear  in  mind  that  what  will  overcome  inter- 
fering in  one  animal  will  not  in  another.  So  the  success  of  the 
horseshoer  will  depend  much  upon  the  horse's  construction.  A 
glance  from  the  front  or  rear,  or  from  the  side,  will  tell  the 
man  of  experience  why  the  horse  strikes,  or  if  he  is  likely  to. 
In  very  stubborn  cases  let  a  natural  angle  of  the  foot  be  ob- 
tained, and  adjust  a  tip,  which  will  give  the  horse  the  most  nat- 
ural footing.  Light  shoes  are  the  best  in  every  case  to  prevent 
interfering,  for  they  will  serve  to  give  the  horse  confidence, 
which  weight  frequently  destroys. 

When  the  injury  produced  by  interfering  is  made  on  the  in- 
side of  the  fore  leg,  just  below  the  knee,  it  is  called  "speedy  cut," 
and  requires  about  the  same  treatment  as  for  any  ordinary  wound 
in  the  same  region. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  259 


STUMBLING. 

Stumbling  is  not  at  all  uncommon  among  certain  horses  of 
faulty  conformation,  and  in  many  cases  is  a  serious  trouble.  It 
may  be  produced  by  straight  shoulders,  short,  upright  pasterns, 
high  heels,  and  carrying  the  head  low. 

Treatment. — It  may  be  overcome  by  certain  kinds  of  shoeing. 
No  doubt  a  rolling  motion  shoe  will  prevent  tripping  and  stum- 
bling in  more  cases  than  any  other  kind  of  shoe.  If  a  full  roller 
shoe  is  not  suitable  for  the  horse,  shorten  the  toe  of  the  foot  and 
give  the  toe  of  the  shoe  a  good  roll.  If  the  above  shoe  is  properly 
made,  and  the  foot  placed  on  the  natural  angle,  the  worst  cases 
can  be  prevented. 


260  Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  XIX. 
CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES. 

GLANDERS  AND  FARCY. 

Glanders  and  its  external  form  designated  as  farcy,  has  been 
known  from  early  antiquity.  Probably  no  contagious  disease  of 
the  horse  is  so  widely  spread,  there  being  but  one  country — Aus- 
tralia— so  far  as  we  can  learn,  in  which  the  horse  is  said  to  be 
wholly  free  from  the  disease.  Its  prevalence  in  various  countries 
varies  greatly,  however,  and  there  are  also  great  variations  in  the 
prevalence  of  the  disease  in  the  same  country  at  different  periods. 
It  affects  not  only  the  horse,  but  spreads  by  contact  directly  or 
indirectly  to  the  ass,  mule,  and  other  solid  hoofed  animals,  and 
to  man.  Sheep,  goats,  and  pigs  may  have  the  disease,  but  cat- 
tle will  resist  it  entirely. 

Scientific  investigations  in  all  parts  of  the  world  have  proven 
that  the  two  complaints  are  only  different  manifestations  of  one 
and  the  same  disease.  This  has  been  shown  time  and  again 
through  inoculating  animals  with  either  the  discharge  from  the 
nose  of  a  glandered  horse  or  with  the  matter  from  a  farcy  ulcer, 
and  having  either  or  both  forms  of  the  disease  produced.  The 
term  glanders  is  applied  to  the  disease  when  the  interior  of  the 
nose,  the  lungs  or  other  portions  of  the  organs  of  respiration  are 
affected,  while  the  term  farcy  is  used  when  superficial  parts,  the 
skin,  etc.,  of  the  body  are  invaded.  Eminent  investigators  have 
definitely  established  the  fact  that  glanders  is  a  specific  con- 
tagious disease,  due  solely  to  the  glanders  bacillus,  and  that  the 
disease  is  incapable  of  spontaneous  generation,  but  must  at  all 
times  depend  upon  the  presence  of  the  bacilli,  which  in  turn 
must  be  derived  from  the  parent  bacilli  of  the  same  kind. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  261 

Causes. — The  cause  of  glanders  and  farcy,  as  has  already  been 
stated,  is  a  living  organism  belonging  to  the  group  known  gen- 
erally as  bacteria,  under  the  specific  name  of  bacillus  malleus,  or 
glanders  bacillus.  But  even  supposing  the  bacillus  mallei  is  the 
direct  cause  of  the  complaint,  we  must  not  forget  that  im- 
proper sanitary  surroundings  and  any  weakening,  debilitating 
disease,  such  as  influenza,  distemper,  catarrhal  fever,  lung  fever, 
etc.,  are  important  factors  in  the  production  of  the  disease  by 
weakening  the  animal  body  and  making  it  very  liable  to  become 
affected  with  the  disease  if  exposed  to  the  contagion.  The  germs 
outside  the  body  retain  their  Uf  e  and  vitality  under  ordinary  con- 
ditions in  a  moderately  dry  state  for  four  or  five  months,  al- 
though when  exposed  freely  to  very  dry  air  with  sunlight  they 
probably  perish  in  a  few  days,  and  when  in  water  and  decom- 
posing fluids  they  perish  in  two  or  three  weeks.  On  the  other 
hand,  when  large  quantities  of  glanders  matter  is  thickly  smeared 
or  spread  over  stalls  or  mangers  in  stables  where  it  is  protected 
from  rain  and  in  a  measure  from  light  and  the  deeper  parts  well 
excluded  from  the  air  the  germs  seem  to  retain  their  vitality  for 
a  year  or  more.  The  germs  are  usually  spread  through  care- 
less stable  attendants,  through  public  watering  troughs,  and  by 
the  matter  discharged  drying  upon  harness,  blankets  and  the  like, 
for  after  it  dries  it  is  readily  distributed  by  currents  of  air,  and 
this  dust,  if  exposed  to  a  certain  degree  of  heat  and  moisture,  ^vill 
grow  and  produce  the  disease  upon  susceptible  animals  with  tol- 
erable certainty,  if  it  gets  into  the  interior  of  their  economy. 

Period  of  Incubation. — The  period  of  incubation  in  the  acute 
form  of  glanders  is  short,  the  disease  usually  appearing  in  from 
four  to  seven  days  from  the  time  of  exposure,  while  the  chronic 
form  may  appear  any  time  in  from  seven  to  eight  days  up  to 
two  or  three  months  from  the  time  the  animal  was  exposed  to 
the  contagious  influence. 


262  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  is  most  frequently  seen  in  the  chronic 
form,  there  being  a  discharge  from  the  nostrils  which  varies  in 
appearance  and  can  not  be  considered  as  characteristic;  it  may 
either  sink  in  water  or  float  on  the  surface;  usually  is  somewhat 
viscid  and  adheres  around  the  nostrils;  may  be  thin  and  almost 
clear  and  small  in  amount,  or  thicker  and  yellowish  with  or  with- 
out odor.  The  discharge  may  be  from  both  nostrils,  or  from 
only  one,  either  right  or  left.  Glanders  may  be,  and  not  infre- 
quently is,  confounded  with  other  affections  somewhat  resem- 
bling it  in  some  of  its  symptoms,  especially  those  diseases  in 
which  nasal  discharge  constitute  a  prominent  feature,  such  as 
nasal  gleet,  strangles,  pink-eye,  acute  and  chronic  nasal  catarrh, 
infectious  and  epizootic  catarrhal  fever,  disease  of  the  facial 
sinuses,  diseased  teeth,  tumors  in  nostrils,  etc.  The  most  char- 
acteristic symptoms  of  glanders  is  the  occurrence  of  ulcers  on 
the  partitions  between  the  nostrils,  but  they  are  absent,  per- 
haps, in  a  majority  of  cases,  or  situated  so  high  up  as  to  be  out 
of  sight.  The  glands  beneath  the  jaws  (sub-maxillary  lymphatic 
glands)  become  enlarged  and  hardened,  and  may  or  may  not  be 
attached  to  the  bone.  Discharge  from  the  nose  and  enlarge- 
ment of  the  sub-maxillary  glands  are  nearly  always  present,  but 
in  many  cases  there  may  be,  for  a  long  time,  no  other  symptoms 
presented,  and  such  cases  can  not  be  diagnosed  by  mere  physical 
examination,  even  by  an  expert. 

In  acute  glanders  the  course  is  more  rapid,  with  fever,  greater 
discharge  from  the  nose  often  streaked  with  blood  and  a  sudden 
swelhng  of  one  or  more  limbs;  ulcers  soon  appear  upon  the  lin- 
ing membrane  of  the  nose,  and  death  is  the  common  termination, 
but  in  some  cases  the  acute  is  followed  by  the  chronic  form. 
In  the  form  known  as  farcy,  they  are  small  nodular  enlarge- 
ments of  the  size  of  a  pea  or  larger,  which  form  in  different 
parts  of  the  body,  but  most  frequently  along  the  course  of  the 
blood  vessels  inside  the  limbs,  or  on  the  face  and  neck.  Only 
s.  few  may  be  present  at  a  time  or  they  may  be  numerous.    They 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  26a 

ultimately  burst  and  discharge  a  thin  yellowish  viscid  materiaL 
They  may  heal  after  a  time,  but  are  generally  replaced  by  others. 
Both  forms  of  the  disease  are  incurable,  and  dangerous  to  other 
animf^ls  and  to  man. 

Diagnosis. — By  reading  the  above  it  will  be  seen  that  it  is  im- 
possible to  diagnose  with  any  degree  of  certainty  a  great  many 
cases  of  glanders  by  mere  physical  examination.  In  1891,  Pro- 
fessors Kalning  and  Helman,  of  Russia,  discovered  a  substance 
called  mallein,  which  has  rendered  wonderful  service  in  detect- 
ing doubtful  and  suspicious  cases  of  glanders.  During  the  short 
time  since  the  discovery  of  mallein  it  has  been  tested  by  leading 
scientific  veterinarians  in  every  part  of  the  world,  and  all  unite 
in  asserting  that  its  use  has  at  least  furnished  us  with  an  agent 
by  which  we  can  readily  and  safely  diagnose  the  disease,  not  only 
in  suspected  cases,  but  in  those  animals  where  the  most  care- 
ful physical  examination  can  detect  no  signs  of  the  disease.  In, 
the  annual  report  of  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  may  be 
found  the  following: 

"Glanders  is  a  contagious  and  incurable  disease  of  horses,  more 
widespread  than  is  generally  supposed.  It  is  also  communicated 
to  man  from  affected  horses,  and  is  then  nearly  always  fatal  in 
its  results.  This  disease  has  been  allowed  to  spread  without  ade- 
quate efforts  for  its  control,  until  it  can  now  be  found  in  nearly 
every  city  of  any  considerable  size  and  in  many  country  districts. 
The  greatest  obstacle  to  its  eradication  heretofore  existing  was 
the  difficulty  of  making  a  positive  diagnosis  in  many  suspected 
animals.  With  many  affected  horses  the  symptoms  are  obscure 
and  indefinite,  but  the  power  to  communicate  the  disease  is  just 
as  marked  as  those  having  the  most  apparent  symptoms.  For- 
tunately it  has  been  shown  by  recent  researches  that  the  bacillus 
of  glanders  produces  a  substance  during  its  growth  in  culture 
liquids  similar  to  the  tuberculin  produced  by  the  bacillus  of 
tuberculosis,  and  that  this  substance,  which  is  called  mallein,. 


264  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

may  be  used  for  the  diagnosis  of  glanders  in  the  same  manner 
as  tuberculin  is  used  for  the  diagnosis  of  tuberculosis.  The 
greatest  problem  connected  with  the  control  of  glanders  is  there- 
fore solved,  and  the  question  is  no  longer  one  of  possibility,  bat 
of  expediency." 

Treatment. — As  glanders  is  an  incurable  and  contagious  dis- 
ease, every  effort  should  be  made  to  have  the  animal  destroyed 
as  soon  as  it  is  known  to  be  affected,  and  the  carcass  burned. 
The  stable,  harness,  blankets,  and  all  utensils  used  in  connection 
with  the  animal  should  be  thoroughly  disinfected.  Suspicious 
<jases  should  be  quarantined  until  it  is  known  positively  whether 
the  disease  exists  or  not.  It  is  a  criminal  offense  in  the  State 
of  Texas  to  sell,  trade,  or  dispose  of  a  horse  or  mule  that  Is 
known  or  even  supposed  to  have  glanders  or  farcy. 

LOCO  WEED  POISONING. 

The  loco  weed  grows  natural  in  some  of  the  Western  and 
Southern  States.  When  eaten  in  large  quantities  it  produces 
very  poisonous  effects.  Horses  and  cattle  Seem  to  acquire  a 
taste  for  it,  and  it  is  eaten  more  in  the  early  spring  when  grass 
is  scarce,  as  it  has  a  tempting  green  appearance.  It  seems  to 
exert  its  influence  on  the  nervous  system,  as  the  animal  affected 
walks  like  a  drunken  man.  The  animal  may  be  very  excitable, 
and  loses  flesh  and  gets  very  poor.  They  will  finally  acquire 
such  a  taste  for  it  that  they  will  eat  nothing  else.  Delirium 
comes  on,  and  the  animal  may  die  as  if  from  brain  fever. 

Treatment. — If  the  animal  is  removed  from  the  weed  before 
too  much  injury  is  done,  he  will  recover.  Medicine  does  not  seem 
to  do  much  good.  Good  care  and  good  feeding  may  build  up 
the  system  and  throw  off  the  effects  of  the  poison. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  265 


VARIOLA  EQUINA  (HORSE-POX). 

All  domestic  animals  appear  to  be  subject  to  variola,  or  pox, 
in  some  form  or  other.  It  is  a  disease  similar  to  smaUpox  in 
man,  but  is  comparatively  simple  to  what  it  is  in  the  human 
family.  It  is  an  acute  infectious  disease,  accompanied  by  fever, 
producing  eruptions  or  pustules,  and,  like  all  febrile  diseases, 
runs  a  certain  length  of  time. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  a  germ.  The  more  common  means 
of  contagion  is  by  direct  contact,  or  the  virus  may  be  carried  by 
means  of  the  bridle,  the  saddle,  etc.  A  stallion  suffering  from 
this  disease  may  be  the  means  of  transmitting  it  to  a  number  of 
brood  mares,  and  they  in  turn  return  to  the  farms,  where  they 
are  surrounded  by  young  animals  to  whom  they  convey  the 
contagion. 

Symptoms. — Dullness  with  more  or  less  fever.  Soon  small  red 
patches  appear  upon  the  skin,  and  these  patches  are  depressed 
in  the  center.  These  little  nodules  usually  appear  about  the 
mouth,  nose,  heels,  etc.,  and  soon  appear  as  vesicles,  becoming 
filled  with  a  watery  fluid.  These  vesicles  soon  become  pustules 
(containing  pus  or  matter)  which  break  and  discharge,  in  some 
cases,  several  times  in  succession.  When  the  mouth  is  much 
affected  the  animal  chews  his  food  with  considerable  difficulty. 
Variola  runs  its  course  in  from  eight  to  fifteen  days  and  is  not  at 
all  serious  if  treated  properly.  The  virus  (poison)  is  in  a  fixed 
form,  and  the  disease  may  be  communicated  to  man  and  from  one 
animal  to  another  by  contact  and  by  the  virus  obtaining  entrance 
into  a  wound  or  sore.  The  period  of  exposure  is  from  six  to 
twelve  days. 


266  Dh.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — Keep  the  animal  warm,  and  carefully  guarded 
from  sudden  chills,  draughts  of  cold  air,  etc.  Give  internally 
our  Condition  Powders,  and  a  few  doses  of  sulphur  may  be  bene- 
ficial. Apply  to  the  eruptions  on  the  skin  the  following  ointmeni: 

Oxide  of  zinc 2  drams. 

Creolin 20  drops. 

Vaseline 1  ounce. 

Mix,  and  apply  once  a  day. 

Before  appljdng  the  ointment  each  time,  bathe  the  parts  nicely 
with  warm  water  and  a  clean,  soft  cloth  until  perfectly  clean, 
drying  afterwards  with  a  dry,  soft  cloth.  If  there  is  much  fever, 
tincture  of  aconite  in  15  to  20  drop  doses,  or  sulphate  of  quinine 
in  dram  doses,  may  be  given.  Feed  the  animal  on  easily  digested 
food,  and  of  a  laxative  character,  to  keep  the  bowels  loose,  such 
as  little  or  no  oats,  bran  mashes,  a  moderate  quantity  of  sound 
hay,  a  few  carrots  or  apples,  watermelon  rinds,  eic.  Water  may 
be  given  often  in  small  quantities,  but  it  should  not  be  cold. 
A  dram  of  nitrate  of  potash  may  be  put  in  the  drinking  water 
once  or  twice  a  day. 


Dr.  LeGeah's  Stock  Book.  267 

CHAPTER  XX. 
HABITS. 

WIND-SUCKING. 

This  is  a  habit  similar  to  cribbing,  and  a  horse  affected  with 
the  one  generally  indulges  in  the  other;  but  they  may  be  separate. 
A  wind-sucker  gulps  in  and  swallows  a  quantity  of  air  and  dis- 
tends his  stomach  and  bowels  with  the  same.  It  is  a  very  in- 
jurious and  disagreeable  habit.  Cribbers  and  wind-suckers  are 
generallv  affected  with  indigestion,  hide-bound,  and  poor  in 
flesh,  and  may  take  the  colic  at  any  time.  We  can  recommend 
no  treatment  for  wind-sucking. 

CRIBBING. 

This  is  a  habit  of  catching  hold  of  the  manger,  post,  fence, 
or  other  object  in  front  of  the  horse,  with  the  teeth,  and  bearing 
down  till  the  neck  is  altered  in  position,  so  as  to  form  a  tempo- 
rary vacuum  in  the  pharynx,  when  the  air  rushes  in  to  fill  it, 
making  a  sound  not  unlike  the  hiccoughs.  It  is  merely  a  habit 
and  not  a  disease,  and  is  very  injurious  to  the  animal.  It  is 
claimed  by  some  to  be  due  to  indigestion,  and  by  others  to  be  due 
to  an  irritation  in  the  front  teeth.  It  is  brought  on  in  many 
cases  from  idleness.  An  animal  being  kept  in  the  stable  day  after 
day  with  no  exercise  is  very  liable  to  acquire- this  habit  as  well 
as  others. 

There  is  no  satisfactory  remedy  for  the  trouble,  but  it  may  be 
checked  by  buckling  a  wide  strap  around  his  neck  quite  tight. 
Another  means  of  breaking  up  the  habit  is  by  smearing  the  man- 
is 


268  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

ger,  posts,  or  whatever  he  cribs  on,  with  some  strons:  irritating 
mixture,  as  cayenne  or  red  pepper,  kerosene  oil,  cantharides  blis- 
ter, etc.  If  due  to  indigestion,  it  can  be  remedied  by  giving 
regularly  our  Condition  Powders  for  one  or  two  weeks.  It  is 
claimed  by  some  that  sawing  between  the  front  teeth  with  a 
naiTow  saw  will  prevent  it.  This  of  course  makes  the  teeth  sore 
and  naturally  keeps  the  animal  from  biting  on  hard  objects  for 
a  time.  It  is  a  very  unsatisfactory  habit  to  break,  as  all  remedies 
known  will  fail  in  most  of  cases. 

LOLLING. 

Lolling  consists  of  allowing  the  tongue  to  hang  loosely  out  of 
the  mouth,  and  it  dangles  about  in  every  direction  when  the 
animal  is  traveling.  It  can  not  be  considered  as  a  disease,  but 
a  habit,  and  a  very  ugly  one. 

Prevention. — It  may  be  prevented,  and  the  animal  broken  of 
the  habit  by  the  use  of  a  bit  with  a  high  center-piece,  or  a  plate, 
or  what  is  still  better  the  application  of  a  nose-band  which 
should  be  tight  enough  to  prevent  the  opening  of  the  mouth. 


PART  II. 

CATTLE  DEPARTMENT. 


CATTLE  DEPARTMENT. 


In  a  work  of  this  kind,  with  such  limited  space,  we  will  not 
attempt  to  enumerate  the  different  breeds  of  cattle  and  their  su- 
perior qualities,  but  will  merely  give  the  full  particulars  of  dif- 
ferent diseases  and  their  treatment,  of  cattle  in  Texas  and  the 
South. 

You  will  observe,  in  reading  over  the  diseases  of  the  horse, 
that  we  refer  to  similar  diseases  in  the  cow;  therefore  we  will  not 
write  on  those  subjects  again  in  this  department.  But  there  are 
certain  diseases  and  ailments  peculiar  to  the  cow  and  cattle  that 
we  will  here  endeavor  to  describe,  in  a  brief  but  plain  and  simple 
manner.  It  must  be  remembered  that  owing  to  the  large  size  of 
the  cow's  stomach,  and  the  quantity  of  food  it  contains,  and  to 
their  slow,  phlegmatic  temperament,  i;hat  it  takes  in  most  cases 
nearly  twice  the  sized  dose  of  most  all  medicines  for  them  that 
it  does  for  a  horse.  A  cow  has  four  stomachs,  with  a  capacity  of 
about  55  to  60  gallons;  while  the  horse  has  only  one  stomach, 
that  will  hold  about  3J  to  4  gallons.  A  horse's  bowels  are  about 
100  fet  in  length,  while  a  cow's  are  about  150  feet,  but  the  horse's 
bowels  are  larger  in  diameter  than  a  cow's.  A  horse  has  no  gall 
bladder,  while  of  course  a  cow  has.  One  interesting  feature  about 
a  cow's  stomach  is  the  mechanism  by  which  she  can  raise  the 
food  up  into  her  mouth  again  and  remasticate  by  chewing  the 
cud.  Some  people  entertain  the  very  foolish  idea  that  a  cow's 
cud  is  always  in  her  mouth,  and  that  if  she  loses  it  by  some  acci- 
dent, she  will  get  sick.  The  cud  of  a  cow  is  portions  of  her  food 
which  she  brings  up  from  her  stomach  and  chews  a  few  minutes, 
and  then  swallows  it  again;  and  immediately  brings  up  another 
portion.  By  rechewing,  it  prepares  it  better  for  digestion.  It  is 
almost  impossible  for  a  horse  to  vomit,  owing  to  the  small  size  -jf 
the  stomach  and  to  the  peculiar  structure  of  the  oesophagus  (gul- 
let). 

[p.  271] 


272  Dr.  LeGeae's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 

THE  DISEASES  OF  CATTLE. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  STOMACH  AND  BOWELS. 

It  is  well  to  be  remembered  by  all  those  interested  in  cattle 
and  treating  their  diseases  while  sick,  that  a  good  physic  is  an  im- 
portant part  of  the  treatment  of  a  majority  of  the  diseases  of  the 
cow.  Epsom  salts  is  the  important  ingredient  in  all  cow-physic, 
while  aloes  and  linseed  oil  are  the  best  for  the  horse.  Below  are 
formulas  for  the  best  cow  physics.  Before  giving,  dissolve  in  one 
pint  of  hot  water,  and  when  cool  give  as  a  drench,  using  a  large 
long-necked  bottle  for  the  purpose: 

No.  1: 

Epsom  salts .* 1  pound. 

Powdered  ginger 1  ounce. 

No.  2: 

Epsom  salts 1  pound. 

Common  salt 1  pound. 

Powdered  ginger 1  ounce. 

No.  3: 

Epsom  salts 1  pound. 

Common  salt ^  pound. 

Powdered  gamboge  1  ounce. 

Powdered  ginger  IJ  ounces. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  273 

No.  4: 

Epsom  salts 1^  pounds. 

Calomel 1  dram. 

Croton  oil J  dram. 

Powdered  ginger 1  ounce. 

The  above  formulas  are  intended  for  ordinary  sized  cows.  You 
can  decrease  or  increase  the  dose,  according  to  the  size  of  the 
animal.  No.  1  is  a  laxative  or  mild  purgative  for  a  cow;  while 
No.  4  is  a  very  strong  purgative,  given  only  m  very  severe  cases 
of  constipation  or  indigestion. 

BLOATING,  OE  HOVEN. 

This  is  a  common  disease  among  cows,  and  is  characterized  by 
the  formation  of  gas  in  the  paunch  or  rumen.  It  is  very  similar 
to  wind  colic  in  the  horse.  In  many  cases  it  is  a  very  serious  con- 
dition, and  unless  properly  treated  may  cause  the  death  of  the 
animal. 

Causes.  —  Eating  green  food  when  not  used  to  it,  or  eating 
mouldy  or  musty  food  may  cause  hoven.  Green  cane  is  a  very 
frequent  cause  of  this  trouble,  and  it  is  a  common  thing  for  an 
animal  to  die  in  one  or  two  hours  after  getting  into  the  cane 
patch.  Eating  too  much  of  any  kind  of  grain  or  food  which  over- 
loads the  stomach  may  cause  it.  The  overloaded  stomach  be- 
comes paralyzed  and  inactive,  and  the  large  bulk  of  food  lying 
in  there  sours  and  ferments  and  forms  gas  which  distends  the 
stomach. 

Symptoms.— There  is  more  or  less  swelling  of  the  abdomen, 
according  to  the  severity  of  the  trouble.  The  left  flank  is  gen- 
erally distended  the  most,  and  when  struck  with  the  tips  of  the 
fingers  a  drum-like  sound  is  heard.   The  animal  is  very  uneasy, 


274  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

and  moaus  and  grunts  with  pain.  Breathing  becomes  oppressed 
by  the  distended  stomach  pressing  on  the  lungs.  If  the  animal 
is  not  relieved  in  time,  it  is  liable  to  die  of  suffocation  or  of  a 
ruptured  stomach. 

Treatment. — If  the  animal  is  much  distended,  we  would  advise 
the  use  of  the  trocar  and  canula  (Fig.  12)  at  once.  The  instru- 
ment is  to  be  inserted  into  the  left  flank,  midway  between  the  last 
rib  and  the  point  of  the  hip  and  not  too  near  the  backbone.  In- 
sert it  downward  and  inward,  and  pull  out  the  trocar,  leaving 
the  canula  (hollow  tube)  in  until  all  the  gas  escapes  and  gives 
the  cow  relief.  If  the  gas  forms  again,  it  may  be  necessary  to 
insert  it  again,  or  leave  it  in  two  or  three  hours.  x\nother 
mechanical  means  of  drawing  off  the  gas  is  by  the  use  of  the 
probang,  which  is  described  under  "Choking,^'  which  see.  After 
you  have  drawn  off  the  gas,  give  a  physic.  No.  2,  to  carry  off  the 
sour,  fermented  food.  If  the  case  is  not  urgent  enough  to  use 
the  trocar  or  probang,  or  if  you  haven't  a  trocar  or  probang,  give 
as  a  drench  the  following: 

Aqua  ammonia 1  ounce. 

Tincture  of  ginger 1  ounce. 

Oil  of  peppermint ^  dram. 

Cold  water 1  quart. 

If  not  relieved  in  one  hour,  repeat  the  dose.  Give  injections 
of  warm  water  freely.  We  have  known  cases  of  this  kind  relieved 
by  keeping  the  cow's  mouth  open  by  securing  a  piece  of  wood, 
or  such  like,  between  the  teeth.  In  very  urgent  cases,  and  as 
the  last  resort  where  no  trocar  can  be  had,  we  would  advise  a 
sharp  knife-blade  to  be  inserted  into  the  flank  at  the  place  ad- 
vised for  tapping  with  the  trocar,  and  a  goose  quill  or  the  like 
put  in  to  allow  the  gas  to  escape.  If  the  animal  is  weak,  give 
liquor  acetate  of  ammonia  4  ounces  in  1  pint  of  water  as  a 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  275 

drench;  or  one-half  pint  of  whisky  with  half  a  dozen  eggs 
may  be  given  and  repeated  every  four  hours.  After  an  ani- 
mal has  suffered  from  an  attack  of  bloating,  great  care  should 
be  taken  that  it  does  not  eat  too  much  for  several  days,  as  the 
stomach  is  weak  and  a  relapse  can  be  brought  on  very  easily. 

DISTENTION  OF  THE  PAUNCH  WITH  FOOD. 

This  trouble  is  occasionally  seen  in  cattle,  and  is  due  to  eating 
too  much  of  certain  kinds  of  dry  food.  The  stomach  becomes 
paralyzed,  and  the  food  lies  there  in  an  undigested  state.  The 
left  flank  is  seen  to  be  full,  but  not  as  in  bloating.  The  fullness 
will  pit  on  pressure.  After  a  time  gas  may  form,  and  then  very 
urgent  symptoms  come  on.  In  treating  this  trouble  every  effort 
should  be  made  to  arouse  the  action  of  the  paralyzed  paunch, 
and  work  off  the  large  quantity  of  food  it  contains.  Give  as  a 
drench  the  following: 

Sweet  spirits  of  nitre 2  ounces. 

Tincture  of  nux  vomica |  ounce. 

Tincture  of  ginger 1  ounce. 

Aqua  ammonia 1  ounce. 

Cold  water   1  quart. 

Repeat  in  four  hours  if  necessary.  Give  physic  No.  3,  and  if  it 
does  not  work  in  twelve  hours,  give  No.  4.  If  there  is  much 
gas  present,  treat  according  to  directions  under  bloating.  As  a 
last  resort,  an  operation  is  sometimes  performed,  called  rumen- 
otomy,  by  which  a  hole  is  cut  into  the  left 'flank  and  a  certain 
amount  of  the  contents  of  the  paunch  is  taken  out  with  the  hand. 
This  is  an  operation  that  is  not  liable  to  be  successful  unless  per- 
formed by  a  qualified  veterinary  surgeon. 


276  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


LOSS  OF  THE  CUD. 

This  is  merely  a  symptom  of  disease,  and  not  a  disease  of  itself. 
Loss  of  cud  means  not  chewing  the  cud,  and  shows  that  digestion 
is  not  being  performed,  and  that  the  animal  is  not  well.  The 
cud  is  a  portion  of  the  food  that  is  brought  up  from  the  stomach 
and  remasticated.  A  cow  while  eating  chews  its  food  very  little, 
therefore  the  greater  portion  of  it  is  brought  up  and  chewed  over 
again  by  the  animal.  Don't  force  dish-rags  or  the  like  into  the 
cow^s  mouth  to  give  her  a  cud,  as  some  do,  but  give  her  good  care 
and  treat  her  for  the  disease  from  which  she  is  suffering,  and 
the  cud  wdll  come  back  all  right  when  she  gets  well. 

mDIGFJSTION  OF  THE  THIRD  STOMACH— DRY 
MURRAIN— GRASS  STAGGERS.  , 

This  is  a  digestive  disorder  affecting  principally  the  third 
stomach  of  cattle.  It  is  often  called  dry  murrain,  but  that  is 
not  a  proper  name  for  the  trouble. 

Causes.  —  It  is  generally  seen  among  cattle  that  are  eating 
coarse,  dry,  indigestible  food.  It  is  often  seen  after  the  grass 
becomes  dry  in  the  summer.  A  change  from  the  green  grass  of 
spring  to  the  dry,  ripe  grass  of  summer  will  produce  it,  especially 
where  cattle  are  not  allowed  sufficient  salt  and  fresh  water.  Food 
with  astringent  properties,  such  as  acorns,  will  cause  it. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  becomes  dull  and  stupid,  with  loss  of 
appetite.  Constipation  is  present,  and  there  is  generally  a  full- 
ness of  the  left  flank.  The  animal  loses  flesh,  becomes  weak,  and 
lays  down  most  of  the  time  off  by  itself.  Horns  and  ears  be- 
come cold,  and  there  may  be  some  bloating  present.     In  some 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  277 

cases  there  is  partial  paralysis,  and  staggering  gait,  with  general 
brain  symptoms.  If  relief  is  not  given  the  animal  may  live  five- 
or  eight  days  and  die. 

Treatment. — A  good  physic,  as  No.  3,  should  be  given  at  once. 
If  there  is  much  weakness  present,  give 

Whisky 4  ounces. 

Tincture  of  ginger 1  ounce. 

Tincture  of  nux  vomica -J  ounce. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  in  four  hour* 
if  necessary. 

Give  injections  of  warm  water  freely.  After  the  physic  has- 
acted,  a  good  tonic  powder  should  be  given,  such  as  our  Condi- 
tion Powders.     (See  Appendix.) 

DIARRHOEA  IN  CALVES— WHITE  SCOUR. 

This  is  quite  a  common  trouble  among  calves  that  are  not  fed 
regularly  or  properly.  It  is  seldom  seen  among  calves  that  run 
with  their  mothers,  but  it  is  quite  common  among  calves  that 
are  fed  on  cold  sour  milk  and  giving  them  all  they  can  drink 
only  once  or  twice  a  day. 

Treatment.  —  Feed  the  calf  often,  and  a  small  quantity  at  a 
time,  of  boiled  milk.  Give  one  or  two  ounces  of  castor  oil  and 
one-half  ounce  of  laudanum  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  the  laud- 
anum in  four  hours  if  necessary.  Get  the  following  powders  pre- 
pared and  give: 


278  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Bicarbonate  of  soda 2  ounces. 

Powdered  ginger  1  ounce. 

Carbonate  of  magnesia 2  ounces. 

Mix,  and  make  ten  powders,  and  give  one  powder  three 
times  per  day  in  a  little  new  milk  and  one  ounce  of  good 
whisky. 

Feed  the  calf  carefully  for  some  time  after  an  attack  of 
■diarrhoea,  as  the  stomach  and  bowels  are  weak  and  it  can  easily 
be  brought  on  again. 

DIARRHOEA  IN  CATTLE. 

Diarrhoea  in  cattle  is  generally  caused  by  eating  some  indi- 
gestible food,  or  a  change  of  food.  Stagnant  or  foul  water  may 
cause  it,  or  some  irritant  in  the  bowels.  It  may  follow  constipa- 
tion or  strong  physicing. 

Symptoms.  —  There  is  a  copious  fluid  discharge  from  the 
bowels,  which  has  a  very  offensive  smell.  The  animal  is  dull, 
:  stands  with  its  back  arched,  and  shows  thirst.  It  is  often  accom- 
panied by  high  fever,  great  loss  of  flesh,  and  sometimes  death 
in  a  remarkably  short  time. 

Treatment. — When  the  trouble  is  due  to  some  irritating  food, 
give  1  pint  of  raw  linseed  oil  and  1  ounce  of  laudanum  as  a 
^drench.    The  following  may  be  given: 

Powdered  opium 2  drams. 

Carbonate  of  magnesia 1  ounce. 

Powdered  ginger ^  ounce. 

Prepared  chalk 2  drams. 

Mix,  and  shake  up  with  1  pint  of  warm  water  and  three 
fresh  egffs,  and  give  as  a  drench;  and  give  three  times  per 
day  until  the  bowels  become  natural. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  279 

After  an  attack  of  diarrhoea  give  our  Condition  Powders  (see- 
Appendix)  according  to  direction,  to  tone  up  the  stomach  and 
bowels. 

CONSTIPATION. 

This  is  due  to  much  the  same  causes  as  in  the  horse,  and 
may  be  relieved  by  giving  either  formula  No.  2,  3  or  4,  page  272. 

WOEMS. 

Stomach  and  bowel  worms  are  sometimes  very  troublesome  to 
cattle,  and  can  be  relieved  by  giving  our  Worm  Remedy  (see  Ap- 
pendix) according  to  directions  on  each  box. 

DISEASES  OF  THE  RESPIRATORY  ORGANS. 

Cattle  are  occasionally  sufferers  from  diseases  of  the  respiratory 
organs,  such  as  catarrh,  laryngitis,  bronchitis,  pneumonia,  etc., 
but  the  remarks  on  these  diseases  in  the  horse  department  of  this 
book  will  sufficiently  explain  them  for  cattle;  so  you  can  know 
the  trouble  and  give  a  course  of  treatment;  remembering  that  a 
cow  takes  from  one-half  to  once  again  as  much  for  a  dose  ot 
nearly  all  medicines  as  a  horse  does. 


280  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER  XXII. 
OPERATIONS. 

DEHORNING. 

This  is  an  operation  by  which,  cattle  are  deprived  of  their 
horns.  It  has  received  a  great  deal  of  controversy  through  the 
stock  and  farm  papers  and  veterinary  journals  as  to  the  advisa- 
bility and  cruelty  of  the  operation;  some  claiming  it  to  be  very 
<jruel  and  unnecessary;  while  others  assert  that  it  is  not  cruel, 
but  a  humane  act,  to  deprive  cattle  of  their  fierce  and  dangerous 
weapons — horns.  We  claim  the  operation  is  not  cruelty  to  ani- 
mals. Cruelty  to  animals  is  defined  as  the  infliction  of  unneces- 
sary pain.  Of  course  it  is  more  or  less  painful  to  the  animal,  but 
not  more  so  than  the  operation  of  castration  or  branding,  to 
which  we  regularly  subject  animals.  The  pain  of  a  few  minutes 
-during  which  the  operation  is  performed  is  nothing  to  be  com- 
pared to  the  severe  and  lasting  torture  inflicted  as  a  matter  of 
-every  day  occurrence,  by  animals  upon  each  other,  when  left  to 
wear  in  confinement  their  weapons  of  offense,  which,  although 
-doubtless  of  utility  in  a  wild  state,  are  in  a  state  of  domesticity 
-a  menace  to  their  companions  and  a  dangerous  encumbrance  to 
themselves.  How  cruel  it  looks  to  see  a  bunch  of  long-horned 
steers,  shut  up  in  the  feeding  pens,  in  the  stock  yards,  or  worse 
still,  in  cars  for  shipment.  There  are  always  some  restless, 
vicious  ones  goring  the  quieter  ones  with  their  long,  sharp 
horns,  and  causing  a  commotion  all  the  time  among  them.  Still 
another  plea  in  favor  of  dehorning  is  for  the  safety  and  protec- 
tion of  mankind.  Often  do  we  read  of  men,  women  and  children 
being  gored  to  death  by  the  sharp  horns  of  vicious  bulls.  Cows 
and  steers  are  dehorned  chiefly  to  protect  them  from  each  other, 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  281 

but  bulls  should  be  dehorned  to  protect  ourselves.  Animals  that 
are  dehorned  are  more  quiet  and  contented,  fatten  faster,  and  do 
better  all  around. 

As  the  exportation  of  cattle  is  quite  extensively  carried  on,  the 
removal  of  their  horns  will  then  not  only  lessen  the  owner's  risk, 
but  will  also  add  materially  to  the  comfort  and  safety  of  the  ani- 
mals themselves.  The  operation  may  be  performed  at  the  age  of 
two  or  three  days  or  at  any  time  through  life.  With  the  bull 
it  is  better  to  let  him  get  old  enough  to  learn  the  use  of  his  horns 
as  weapons  of  offense,  and  then  deprive  him  of  them.  If  taken 
out  when  a  mere  calf  he  will  learn  to  use  his  head  in  butting, 
as  a  "moolly,"  but  if  dehorned  after  he  grows  up,  it  will  gener- 
ally make  him  very  docile  and  peaceable.  You  can  very  easily 
and  with  very  little  pain  to  the  calf,  prevent  his  horns  from  grow- 
ing by  applying  the  caustic  potash  treatment  when  but  a  few  days 
old.  This  is  done  by  putting  the  calf  over  on  its  side  and  hold- 
ing it,  while  the  operator  clips  the  hair  off  the  spot  where  the 
horn  is  to  grow.  Then  with  a  stick  of  caustic  potash  he  dips  one 
end  into  cold  water  and  rubs  it  gently  on  the  spot  for  about  ten 
or  twelve  seconds.  The  calf  is  then  turned  over  and  the  opera- 
tion repeated  on  the  other  side.  By  this  time  the  first  side  is  dry 
and  ready  for  a  second  application  of  the  caustic,  which  is  done 
exactly  as  the  first.  When  both  sides  have  been  treated  twice 
the  calf  can  be  let  go  and  he  will  grow  up  a  hornless  animal. 
Dehorning  of  grown  cattle  should  be  done  in  the  spring  or  late 
fall — between  fly-time  and  cold  weather.  The  operation  is  com- 
paratively simple,  and  can  generally  be  performed  by  the  owner. 
A  good  saw  or  a  pair  of  dehorning  clippers  (Fig.  55)  is  necessary 
to  take  the  horns  off  with.  The  animal  can  be  secured  by  tying 
down  or  by  being  put  into  a  contrivance  made  for  the  purpose. 
The  head  must  be  securely  fastened  so  the  animal  can't  move 
around  too  much  while  the  operator  is  removing  the  horns.  It 
is  well  to  take  them  off  close,  and  even  remove  a  portion  of  the 
skin    about    the   horn    so    as   to    make    a    clean   job.     Bleed- 


282 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


ing  seldom  ever  amounts  to  anything,  and  about  the  only  after- 
treatment  needed  is  to  see  that  no  screw  worms  get  into  the 
wounds.  If  care  is  taken  in  performing  the  operation,  very  few 
losses,  ii  any,  will  be  had. 


Fig.  55.    Dehorning  Shears. 


SPAYING  COWS. 


Spajdng  is  castration  of  the  female  animal,  and  was  practiced 
extensively  in  Texas  and  the  Western  States  a  few  years  ago  on 
cows  and  heifers.  The  fashion  has  rather  died  out  in  most 
breeding  districts,  one  reason  being  that  they  are  using  all  their 
heifers  for  breeding  purposes.  The  object  of  spaying  heifers  and 
cows,  as  practiced  by  most  stockmen,  was  to  keep  them  from 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  283 

going  .in  heat,  and  by  so  doing  they  would  grow  larger,  fatten 
easier,  and  take  on  flesh  faster.  Dairy  cows,  for  city  purposes, 
are  sometimes  spayed  to  keep  them  giving  a  good  flow  of  milk 
for  two,  three,  or  five  years  continuously.  For  these  purposes 
she  should  be  spayed  in  her  prime  of  life,  and  while  giving  her 
greatest  flow  of  milk.  She  should  be  in  good  health  and  in  mod- 
erate flesli,  but  never  should  be  operated  on  while  pregnant  or 
in  heat. 

This  operation  in  the  cow  is  not  a  serious  one,  and  if  properly 
performed,  there  is  little  danger  to  the  life  of  the  animal.  Tho 
operation  may  be  performed  in  two  ways,  as  in  the  mare,  namely, 
by  the  flank  or  by  the  vagina. 

By  the  vagina  operation  is  meant,  to  insert  the  hand  into  the 
vagina  and  by  cutting  a  hole  through  the  upper  part  of  the 
vagina  near  the  womb,  the  hand  is  inserted  into  the  abdominal 
cavity  and  the  ovaries  (prides)  found  and  brought  into  the  va- 
gina, where  they  are  taken  off  by  a  pair  of  forceps  made  specially 
for  the  purpose.  This  operation  is  less  dangerous  than  the  flank 
operation,  but  it  requires  some  costly  instruments  and  a  thor- 
ough understanding  of  the  anatomy  of  the  parts  before  it  can  be 
performed  with  safety  and  ease. 

In  the  flank  operation,  after  the  animal  is  secured,  an  incision 
is  made  in  the  left  flank  large  enough  to  insert  the  hand  audi 
arm.  The  ovaries  can  be  found  by  finding  the  womb  and  then 
tracing  it  up,  one  ovary  being  found  at  the  end  of  each  of  the 
two  branches  of  the  womb.  When  found  they  should  be  drawn 
out,  one  at  a  time,  and  removed  with  the  ecrasure.  The  wound 
should  be  closed  by  strong  silk  or  linen  thread,  being  first 
cleansed  with  clean  water  containing  a  little  carbolic  acid.  It  is 
very  important  that  the  instrumentr-  and  hands  of  the  operator 
should  be  perfectly  clean,  as  the  animal  could  be  very  easily  in- 
oculated with  some  poisonous  germs  adhering  to  them.  The  in- 
struments should  be  scalded  with  boiling  waiter  each  time  before 
19 


284 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


using,  and  the  operator  should  pare  his  finger  nails  closely  and 
thoroughly  wash  his  hands  and  arms  with  soap  and  water  and 
then  rinse  them  and  his  instruments  frequently  in  clean  water 
containing  a  little  carholic  acid.  In  this,  as  well  as  in  all  other 
surgical  operations,  absolute  cleanliness  is  the  great  secret  of 
success. 


s 

o 

EH 

Jz; 

GQ 


>< 


f'f 


Dr.  LeGtear's  Stock  Book.  285 

CHAPTER  XXIII. 
PARTURITION  — PARTURIENT  DISEASES. 

For  a  description  of  the  general  remarks  on  parturition  in  the 
cow,  we  will  refer  you  to  those  given  under  this  heading  in  the 
Horse  Department. 

All  such  troubles  as  abortion,  barrenness,  natural  presenta- 
tions, unnatural  presentations,  retention  of  the  afterbirth,  in- 
version of  the  womb,  inflammation  of  the  womb,  bleeding  after 
parturition,  whites,  etc.,  are  fully  described  under  their  respec- 
tive headings  in  the  Horse  Department,  and  can  be  referred  to 
there. 

MILK  FEVER. 

There  are  three  or  four  diseases  that  follow  calving,  such  as 
parturient  paralysis,  parturient  apoplexy,  garget,  etc.,  and  the 
name  Milk  Fever  is  applied  to  them  as  i'  wliole  by  most  dairy- 
men. We  will  describe  them  later  on.  All  animals,  and  more 
especially  cows,  have  more  or  less  fever  after  delivery  of  their 
young.  It  is  due  to  the  nervous  shock  and  the  agonizing  pain 
they  have  to  endure  at  this  time. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  somewhat  dull,  and  has  more  or 
less  fever  according  to  the  severity  of  the  case.  The  appetite 
may  be  impaired,  and  the  bag  sometimes  becomes  swollen  and 
feverish. 

.  Treatment. — Give  the  cow  a  physic,  as  No.  1,  and  give  ^  ounce 
of  nitrate  of  potash  and  25  drops  of  tincture  of  aconite  in  one 
pint  of  water  as  a  drench  three  times  a  day  for  one  or  two  days. 
Milk  her  often,  and  bathe  the  bag  well  two  or  three  times  a  day 


286  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

with  warm  water;  then  apply  our  Liniment  well  rubbed  in.    Feed 
on  bran  mashes  and  green  food. 

PARTURIENT  PARALYSIS. 

Paralysis  occasionally  follows  parturition,  generally  coming  on 
in  from  one  to  three  days  after  calving,  but  it  is  not  a  danger- 
ous trouble  as  a  general  thing.  It  is  due  to  a  rush  of  blood  to 
the  spinal  cord  or  to  pressure  on  the  large  nerves  in  the  hind 
quarters. 

Symptoms. — The  cow  on  being  made  to  walk  is  seen  to  be 
unsteady  in  her  gait,  perhaps  staggers  from  side  to  side,  or  has 
what  is  known  as  a  paddling  gait.  The  animal  may  soon  grow 
worse,  and,  being  unable  to  stand,  falls  to  the  ground,  the  loss 
of  motion  becoming  better  marked,  x^lthough  not  able  to  rise, 
there  is  not  much,  if  any,  pain  present,  and  the  appetite  generally 
remains  good. 

Treatment. — A  good  physic,  as  No.  2,  should  be  given,  and  if 
necessary  stimulants  may  be  given  every  four  or  six  hours.  Blan- 
kets wrung  out  of  hot  water  should  be  applied  to  the  spine  and 
across  the  loins,  and  the  loins  bathed  well  two  or  three  times 
a  day  with  our  Liniment.  Prepare  and  give  the  following  pow- 
ders: 

Nitrate  of  potash 3  ounces. 

Powdered  copperas   2  ounces. 

Powdered  nux  vomica 2  ounces. 

Mix,  and  make  twelve  powders,  and  give  one  powder 
morning  and  night  in  damp  feed. 

• 

The  cow  will  generally  recover,  although  it  may  take  a  couple 
of  weeks  to  get  her  on  her  feet.  While  lying  down,  turn  her 
over  once  or  twice  a  day. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  287 


PARTUEIENT  APOPLEXY. 


This  is  a  disease  peculiar  to  mature,  fat  cows,  at  or  a  day  or 
two  after  calving.  It  is  seldom  if  ever  seen  in  the  common 
breeds  of  cows,  but  the  well  bred,  heavy  milkers  that  are  big 
fat  at  the  calving  time  are  the  ones  that  suffer  more  frequently 
from  this  disease.  It  is  seldom  if  ever  seen  in  cows  that  are  poor 
in  flesh,  or  at  first  calving;  nor  ever  seen  after  a  case  of 
difficult  calving,  as  the  severe  labor,  loss  of  blood,  etc., 
have  a  tendency  to  weaken  the  system  to  a  certain  extent  and 
prevent  the  disease.  It  invariably  follows  an  easy  calving,  and 
the  large  amount  of  blood  which  after  delivery  of  the  calf 
should  go  to  make  milk,  instead  of  doing  so  is  thrown  back  upon 
the  system,  and  causing  congestion  of  the  brain  and  spinal  cord, 
gives  rise  to  the  various  symptoms  of  parturient  apoplexy.  It 
is  one  of  the  most  serious  and  rapidly  fatal  diseases  with  which 
the  Veterinary  Surgeon  has  to  deal.  High  feeding,  with  the 
animal  fat  and  full  of  rich  blood,  and  an  easy  delivery,  are  the 
main  causes  of  this  terribly  fatal  disease.  It  is  more  prevalent 
during  very  hot  weather,  as  the  heat  helps  to  bring  on  the  fever. 
Heavy  milking  cows  that  are  in  good  flesh  and  fed  heavily  up  to 
the  time  of  calving  are  very  liable  to  this  disease,  if  they  come  In 
during  a  very  hot  spell  of  weather. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  comes  on  from  one  hour  to  several 
days  after  calving,  it  being  seldom  seen  before  calving.  The 
nearer  to  the  time  of  calving  the  disease  comes  on  the  more  fatal 
it  is.  All  cases  that  come  on  within  two  days  after  calving  gen- 
erally die,  while  a  majority  of  cases  can  be  cured  that  come  on 
after  the  third  day.  The  animal  is  generally  first  noticed  to  be 
somewhat  dull,  with  unsteady,  staggering  gait.  There  is  a  pecu- 
liar paddling  action  of  the  feet  which  is  characteristic  of  partu- 
rient apoplexy.    In  severe  cases  the  paralysis  increases  rapidly, 


288  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

and  the  animal  is  soon  unable  to  walk  or  stand  alone,  therefore 
goes  down.  It  may,  in  a  fit  of  excitement,  try  to  rise,  but  fails, 
and  soon  quiets  down  into  a  comatose  (sleepy)  condition,  with 
the  head  turned  to  the  side  with  the  nose  resting  on  the 
ground.  Occasionally  the  animal  will  stretch  out  at  full 
length  with  the  head  on  the  ground.  She  is  now  in 
a  dead  sleep,  as  it  were,  with  no  signs  of  life  except  a 
weak,  slow  pulse  and  very  slow  breathing.  You  can  touch  the 
ball  of  the  eye  without  her  even  batting  the  eyelid.  The  animal 
may  live  in  this  condition  for  several  hours,  but  as  a  general 
thing  they  will  die  in  from  two  to  four  hours  after  it  comes  on. 
Many  valuable  cows  have  we  been  called  to  see  in  this  comatose 
condition,  but  all  we  could  do  was  to  watch  them  die.  The  ani- 
mal has  no  power  of  swallowing,  neither  is  there  any  digestion 
going  on.  Medicine  put  into  the  stomach  with  a  stomach  pump 
does  no  good,  as  there  is  no  digestion  or  absorption. 

Treatment. — If  the  cow  is  seen  before  she  falls  and  before  the 
power  of  swallowing  is  lost,  a  good  physic  should  be  given,  as 
No.  4.  If  the  physic  is  given  six  or  eight  hours  before  the  coma- 
tose condition  comes  on  you  may  save  her.  But  if  she  goes  off 
to  sleep  before  you  give  the  medicine,  or  shortly  after,  the  case 
is  hopeless,  and  she  will  die.  The  head  should  be  kept  cool  by 
applying  ice  or  cloths  wrung  out  of  cold  water.  The  animal 
should  be  protected  from  the  sun  or  cold  wet  weather.  All 
milk  should  be  removed  from  her  bag  often.  If  the  animal  can 
yet  swallow  give: 

Tincture  of  aconite 20  drops. 

Nitrate  of  potash \  ounce. 

Bromide  of  potash 1  ounce. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench  every  four  hours. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  289 

Prevention. — Prevention  is  of  far  more  value  in  this  disease 
than  all  the  treatment  you  can  give.  Cows  that  are  heavy  milk- 
ers and  big  fat  should  be  cut  short  on  their  feed  for  a  couple  of 
weeks  previous  to  calving.  Plenty  of  salt  and  all  the  water  they 
will  drink  is  beneficial.  A  dose  of  epsom  salts,  as  No.  1,  should 
be  given  about  one  day  before  the  cow  is  expected  to  come  in. 
If  she  comes  in  unexpectedly,  don't  delay  to  give  her  the  physic 
as  soon  as  found,  if  she  is  fat  and  a  big  milker.  One  ounce  of 
nitrate  of  potash  may  be  given  every  day  for  several  days  instead 
of  the  salts.  If  the  udder  (bag)  becomes  much  distended  before 
calving,  it  should  be  milked  every  day,  as  it  gives  relief  to  the 
cow  and  wards  off  disease.  Plenty  of  exercise,  light  feed,  and  a 
dose  of  salts,  are  the  great  preventatives  against  this  dread  dis- 
ease. Many  a  poor  cow  is  killed  through  kindness  by  her  owner 
feeding  her  very  heavy  previous  to  calving,  so  she  will  give  a 
good  flow  of  milk  when  she  comes  in. 

MAMMITIS— GARGET. 

Garget,  more  properly  known  as  Mammitis,  consists  of  in- 
flammation of  the  mamary  gland  (bag),  and  is  brought  about  in 
various  ways.  Some  cases  are  very  mild  and  pass  off  in  a  day 
or  two,  while  others  are  more  severe,  and  may  either  destroy  the 
udder  or  kill  the  cow.  Any  one  or  more  of  the  quarters  may  be 
affected,  and  sometimes  the  whole  bag  is  involved.  Garget  gen- 
erally comes  on  shortly  after  calving,  but  may  take  place  even 
before  calving,  or  any  time  while  the  cow  is  giving  milk. 

Causes. — Garget  may  be  caused  by  an  injury  to  the  udder, 
such  as  kicks,  blows,  wounds  from  briars  or  thorns,  lying  en 
sharp  objects,  etc.  A  frequent  cause  of  the  trouble  is  irregular 
milking,  and  not  completely  emptying  the  bag  at  each  milking. 
Over-driving  with  distended  udder  may  cause  it,  and  also  it  very 
often  follows  calving  by  the  fever  in  the  system  settling  in  the 


290  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

udder.     Sudden  changes  of  temperature,  as  hot  da3's  and  cold 
nights,  may  be  a  cause  of  garget. 

Symptoms. — There  is  a  swelling  of  a  part  or  the  whole  of  the 
udder,  with  heat,  tenderness,  and  a  hard  feeling.  It  is  in  some 
cases  so  tender  and  sore  that  the  animal  will  refuse  to  have  it 
touched  or  handled.  Instead  of  natural  milk,  a  thin,  yellowish 
fluid  is  drawn  from  the  teat,  which  soon  becomes  thicker  and 
in  curdled  lumps,  and  has  a  bad  smell.  The  animal  is  more  or 
less  stiff  and  lame  in  the  hind  quarters  and  especially  on  the 
side  where  the  swelling  is.  The  animal  is  restless,  fever- 
ish, and  has  lost  her  appetite.  Milder  cases  generally  yield 
readily  to  treatment,  while  in  some  of  the  severer  forms  the 
udder  becomes  mortified  and  great  portions  of  it  slough  off.  In 
other  cases  abscesses  form  in  the  affected  quarters,  which  have 
to  be  freely  opened  to  let  the  pus  escape.  If  a  cow  recovers  from 
a  case  of  garget  she  seldom  regains  her  full  flow  of  milk  until 
after  her  next  calf.  Where  abscesses  form,  or  where  mortifica- 
tion and  sloughing  sets  in,  the  quarter  or  whole  udder  is  gener- 
ally destroyed. 

Treatment. — Give  the  cow  a  physic,  as  No.  2,  and  give  the 
following: 

Tincture  of  aconite 20  drops. 

Nitrate  of  potash  4  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Mix,  and  give  as  a  drench,  and  repeat  every  four  hours 
until  four  or  six  doses  have  been  given. 

If  the  udder  is  much  swollen  it  should  be  supported  with  a 
large  bandage  padded  softly  with  cotton  and  such  like.  Cut 
holes  in  the  bandages  for  the  teats  to  come  through.  Bathe  the 
bag  well  for  an  hour  at  a  time,  and  apply  the  following,  which 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  •     291 

is  undoubtedly  the  most  effectual  remedy  to  remove  the  cake 
(hardness)  from  a  cow's  bag: 

Fluid  extract  of  belladonna 1  ounce. 

Soft  soap ^  pound. 

Mix,  and  use  only  what  you  need  at  a  time,  and  apply 
twice  per  day. 


=^ 


Fig.  56.    Milking  Tube. 

Another  way  this  can  be  done  is  to  wet  the  bag  with  the 
belladonna,  and  then  with  a  piece  of  strong  lye  soap  make  a 
thick  lather  on  all  the  swelled,  caked  portions  of  the  bag,  and  let 
remain  for  six  or  eight  hours,  when  you  can  wash  off  with  warm 
water  and  apply  again.  Keep  this  up  as  long  as  there  is  any 
fever  in  the  bag.  Long  continued,  gentle  hand-rubbing  and 
kneading  the  affected  parts  is  very  beneficial.  Strip  out  all  the 
milk  you  can  four  or  five  times  a  day,  or  the  milking  tube  (Fig. 
56)  may  be  inserted  to  drain  off  the  milk  as  fast  as  it  forms.  If, 
after  the  fever  leaves  the  udder,  there  are  hard  places  still  re- 
maining, apply  the  following: 

Tincture  of  iodine 6  ounces. 

Tincture  of  opium 2  ounces. 

Soap  liniment 4  ounces. 

Mix,  and  apply  with  friction,  tw^  or  three  times  per 
day. 

Also  give  2  drams  of  iodide  of  potash  as  a  drench  in  1  pint 
of  water  every  morning  and  night  before  feeding.  If  abscesses 
form  they  should  be  lanced  and  let  the  matter  out;  and  sjrringe 
out  the  cavity  once  a  day  with  a  weak  solution  of  carbolic  acid. 


292  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


BLOODY  MILK. 

Cows  occasionally  give  bloody  milk,  which  may  be  due  to 
some  injury  to  the  udder,  or  to  congestion  or  inflammation  of 
the  same.  It  may  be  due  to  some  diseased  condition  of  the  ud- 
der, or  from  eating  some  acrid  or  irritant  plants. 

Treatment. — If  it  is  due  to  congestion  or  injury  of  the  udder, 
give  physic  No.  1.  Bathe  the  bag  well  with  warm  water  twice 
a  day,  and  each  time  after  bathing  apply  our  Liniment  well  to  all 
affected  parts.  After  the  cow  has  physicked  out,  give  our  Con- 
dition Powders  in  bran  mash  for  a  week  or  ten  days.  If  due  to 
eating  certain  kinds  of  weeds,  change  the  pasture.  Don't  use  the 
milk  while  it  is  bloody  or  for  several  days  afterwards,  for  it  may 
be  due  to  some  poison  or  from  tubercular  disease  (consumption) 
in  the  udder. 

BLUE  MILK. 

Cows  sometimes  give  bluish  or  watery  milk,  which  is  generally 
due  to  the  presence  of  a  germ  in  the  teat  or  udder  that  infects 
the  milk  and  changes  its  color  and  character.  Give  internally 
physic  No.  1,  and  give  2  drams  of  hyposulphite  of  soda  twice  a 
day  in  the  feed  or  as  a  drench.  Our  Condition  Powders  given 
regularly  for  one  or  two  weeks  will  be  beneficial. 

STRINGY  MILK. 

This  is  a  condition  in  which  the  milk  gets  in  a  stringy  white 
or  yellowish  condition.  Its  causes  and  treatment  are  about  the 
same  as  for  Blue  Milk,  which  see. 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  293 


BLOCKED  OR  CLOSED  TEATS. 

This  is  quite  a  common  trouble  among  dairy  cows,  and  is  due 
to  various  causes,  such  as  warty  growths,  fleshy  growths,  thick- 
ening of  the  mucus  membrane,  calculus,  etc.  In  some  cases  the 
little  warty  or  fleshy  growth  can  be  felt  by  squeezing  the  teat. 
Many  a  valuable  cow  has  been  made  to  lose  one  or  more  quarters 
by  this  trouble.  It  is  generally  first  noticed  when  the  cow  comes 
in.  On  trying  to  milk,  her,  no  milk  can  be  gotten  from  the  af- 
fected quarter,  and  the  general  procedure  is  to  run  a  knitting 
needle  or  the  like  up  the  teat  to  try  and  force  an  opening.  You 
can  generally  force  an  opening,  but  it  will  close  right  up  again. 
You  may  get  a  little  milk  from  the  teat,  but  it  swells  up  for  a 
few  days  and  then  gradually  dries  up  and  withers  away,  and  will 
not  fill  up  again  until  the  next  calf. 


Fig.  57.    Teat  Slitter,  for  opening  closed  (blind)  teats  in  cows. 

Treatment. — The  milking  tube  should  be  inserted,  but  if  there 
is  a  fleshy  or  warty  growth  in  the  teat,  the  teat  slitter  (Fig.  57) 
should  be  inserted  and  an  opening  be  made  -through  the  growth 
with  the  little  knife  on  the  side  near  the  end,  and  then  the  milk- 
ing tube  inserted  and  used  until  the  cut  surface  heals  around  the 
cavity.  If  this  is  done  in  time  a  great  many  cases  can  be  saved. 
But  as  a  general  thing  treatment  is  not  successful,  and  the  teat 
will  dry  up. 


294  Dk.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book. 


OPENING  IN  THE  SIDE  OF  THE  TEAT. 

This  trouble  is  occasionally  met  with,  and  is  very  unpleasant 
to  the  milker  while  milking.  It  is  generally  caused  by  an  ex- 
ternal wound,  as  a  barb-wire  cut  which  penetrates  the  milk  canal, 
And  when  it  heals  it  leaves  a  hole  by  which  the  milk  escapes  at 
the  side  of  the  teat.  Most  of  cases  of  this  kind  can  be  cured  by 
scarifying  (making  raw)  the  edges  of  the  hole  with  a  sharp  lance, 
and  then  stitch  the  raw  surfaces  tightly  together  by  the  use  of 
the  quilled  suture  (see  quilled  suture  in  Horse  Department).  If 
the  cow  is  giving  milk,  draw  off  the  milk  two  or  three  times  per 
day  with  the  milking  tube.  Leave  the  stitches  in  for  eight  or 
ten  days,  when  they  can  be  removed  with  safety. 

SOEE  TEATS. 

When  sores  exist  to  any  considerable  extent  on  cows'  teats, 
they  make  it  very  painful  to  the  cow  and  unpleasant  to  milk  her. 
They  are  caused  in  various  ways,  as  from  barb-wire  cuts, 
scratches  from  thorns  and  briars,  chapped  from  cold  winds,  lying 
■down  in  filthy  places,  etc. 

Treatment. — There  is  nothing  that  will  heal  up  sores  of  this 
kind  as  fast  as  our  Healing  Lotion.  After  each  time  of  milking 
wash  the  teats  all  off  nicely  with  soap  and  water,  and  wet  the 
i5ores  with  the  Healing  Lotion.  Remove  all  the  scabs  at  eacli 
time  of  washing,  as  you  will  heal  the  sores  faster  by  so  doing. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  295 

CHAPTER  XXIV. 
INSECTS  AND  THE  STIFF  DISEASE. 

TICKS. 

There  are  several  species  of  ticks  that  attach  themselves  to 
cattle.  The  most  common  in  this  country,  and  the  one  we  will 
describe  here,  is  the  Boophilus  hovis.  It  is  important  and  inter- 
esting to  know  something  of  the  life  history,  development,  and 
habits  of  this  parasite  on  account  of  the  important  part  it  plays 
in  its  relation  to  Texas  fever,  and  the  annoyance  it  causes  stock 
when  they  infest  them  in  countless  numbers.  It  was  not  until 
about  1889  that  any  attention  was  paid  to  this  tick.  Experi- 
ments show  that  the  life  of  a  tick,  or  of  one  generation  (from  the 
time  the  eggs  are  laid  until  the  tick  is  matured  and  full  grown), 
is  from  45  to  70  days.  It  will  be  found  that  by  taking  mature 
female  ticks  from  cattle  and  putting  them  in  a  glass  vessel, 
they  will  remain  quiet  for  two  or  four  days,  when  they  will  begin 
to  lay  their  eggs,  and  continue  to  lay  them  for  several  days.  Stat- 
istics gathered  at  experiment  stations  show  that  the  average  full 
grown  mature  tick  will  lay  a  little  over  2000  eggs.  All  female 
ticks  at  any  age  after  maturity,  that  have  been  fertilized  by  the 
male,  will  begin  laying  eggs  in  a  few  days  after  being  taken  from 
or  fallen  off  the  host  (cattle).  The  eggs  will  hatch  out  in  from 
three  to  four  weeks,  according  to  the  temperature,  moisture,  sur- 
roundings, etc.  They  will  hatch  out  much  quicker  in  hot,  damp 
weather  than  when  it  is  cool  or  dry.  These  young  ticks  will  re- 
main on  the  ground  alive  for  several  months  in  favorable 
weather,  but  will  not  grow  or  mature  unless  they  can  get  upon 
an  animal.  By  having  the  power  of  living  so  long  in  this  larval 
state,  they  are  very  liable  to  get  upon  an  animal  if  they  are  in  a 


296  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

pasture  frequented  by  cattle.  When  the  larval  tick  gets  upon 
an  animal,  it  at  once  begins  to  grow,  and  in  about  one  week  it 
has  its  first  moulting  (shedding  its  skin).  At  the  end  of  the 
second  week  it  moults  again  and  becomes  sexually  mature,  when 
fertilization  is  liable  to  take  place,  as  a  male  and  a  female  tick 
are  generally  found  together.  After  fertilization,  the  female 
tick  enlarges  very  slowly  until  from  the  nineteenth  to  the  twen- 
ty-second day,  when  she  swells  up  very  rapidly,  and  in  a  day  or 
two  loosens  her  hold  and  falls  to  the  ground,  where  the  laying 
of  eggs  begins  in  a  few  days.  It  will  be  seen  by  the  above  that 
the  length  of  time  a  tick  remains  on  an  animal  is  about  three 
weeks.  Ticks  are  more  numerous  on  uncultivated  land,  prairies 
and  woodland.  They  bore  into  the  skin,  and  when  in  large  num- 
bers cause  considerable  irritation  and  annoyance  to  the  animal. 

Treatment. — The  subject  of  a  cheap,  reliable  and  convenient 
remedy  that  will  eradicate  ticks  from  cattle  has  received  a  great 
deal  of  thought  and  investigation  during  the  past  few  years.  If 
such  a  remedy  could  be  worked  out  it  would  be  of  great  benefit 
to  the  cattle  and  farming  industry  of  the  whole  country.  The 
danger  of  infecting  northern  territory  in  the  transfer  of  southern 
cattle  would  be  overcome;  a  market  previously  closed  would  be 
opened  to  summer  feeders  in  the  north,  in  seasons  when  there 
occurs  an  abundance  of  com  and  grass  and  a  scarcity  of  native 
cattle.  This  surplus  food  stuff  could  be  turned  to  the  profit  of 
the  farmer.  The  present  necessary  though  burdensome  quaran- 
tine regulations  would  be  greatly  eased;  foreign  countries  could 
no  longer  exclude  these  animals  on  the  grounds  that  they  are 
liable  to  introduce  a  dangerous  disease.  In  some  parts  of  the 
country  ticks  are  so  bad  that  stock  owners  have  to  resort  to 
some  means  by  which  they  can  rid  their  cattle  of  the  tick,  for 
they  are  a  great  curse  to  the  comfort,  welfare,  and  growth  of  the 
animal.  There  have  been  various  remedies  and  modes  of  appli- 
cation advocated,  but  none  seems  to  be  so  effectual  or  easily 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  297 

applied  as  by  dipping.  A  large  vat  or  tank  is  constructed,  lead- 
ing to  which  is  a  narrow  chute  and  trap  door,  by  which  the 
cattle  are  plunged  into  the  solution  in  the  tank  and  made  to 
swim  out  at  the  other  side.  Various  preparations  have  been  tried, 
to  make  the  solution  in  the  tank,  such  as  crude  carbolic  acid, 
tobacco,  chloro-naptholeum,  cotton  seed  oil,  etc.  With  some, 
the  oily  preparations  have  proven  very  satisfactory,  while  others 
claim  it  is  not  a  sure  remedy. 

For  dairy  cows  and  for  gentle  farm  cattle  the  ticks  can  be  de- 
stroyed by  painting  the  cattle  with  15  parts  crude  carbolic  acid 
dissolved  in  80  parts  of  crude  cottonseed  oil. 

Extensive  experiments  have  been  made  with  the  dipping  of 
cattle  for  the  eradication  of  ticks  by  Dr.  Francis,  at  College  Sta- 
tion, Texas,  and  by  Mr.  R.  J.  Kleberg,  of  Alice,  Texas.  We 
think  we  can  not  do  better  here  than  to  quote  some  of  Dr.  Fran- 
cis' remarks  on  dipping  cattle: 

"The  destruction  of  these  parasites  on  the  bodies  of  our  cattle 
has  engaged  a  large  share  of  our  attention  for  several  years.  It 
is  evident  that  whatever  means  be  adopted,  it  is  of  first  import- 
ance that  every  tick  be  reached.  This  is  accomplished  by  forc- 
ing the  cattle  to  swim  through  a  large  dipping  vat,  somewhat 
similar  to  the  dipping  process  employed  against  certain  para- 
sites of  sheep.  The  device  consists  of  a  large  wooden  vat,  about 
ten  feet  deep  and  forty  feet  long,  having  a  working  capacity  of 
about  five  thousand  gallons.  It  is  constructed  in  a  large  trench 
so  that  the  lower  two-thirds  is  below  the  ground  line.  The  en- 
trance is  through  a  narrow  chute  at  the  end  of  which  there  is 
provided  a  trap  door  balanced  over  the  end  of  the  vat,  so  that 
when  the  animal  passes  through  the  chute  .and  arrives  on  the 
trap,  the  latter  tilts,  and  the  animal,  losing  its  balance,  plunges 
into  the  vat.  The  animal  is  almost  always  completely  sub- 
merged, thus  bringing  the  solution  in  contact  with  its  entire 
body.     On  rising  to  the  surface  it  swims  to  the  exit,  which  is 


298  Dr.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book. 

provided  with  a  cleated  inclined  floor  to  enable  it  to  make  its 
way  out  and  reach  an  inclined  dripping  platform  where  the  cat- 
tle are  detained  a  short  time.  This  device  has  a  working  capacity 
of  about  one  thousand  head  per  day.  It  is,  perhaps,  not  desira- 
ble to  burden  this  report  with  the  details  of  the  construction  of 
the  vat.  Those  who  are  seriously  interested  in  the  subject  will 
be  provided  with  plans  and  dimensions.  In  our  earlier  studies 
of  the  subject  we  began  testing  the  different  varieties  of  sheep 
dips,  with  the  view  of  finding  a  suitable  and  efficient  commercial 
preparation  that  could  be  supplied  in  large  quantities  and  be  of 
uniform  quahty.  We  selected  a  certain  one  which  seemed  to  be 
typical  of  the  carbolic  acid  group.  Of  this  we  made  up  4000 
gallons  of  a  5  per  cent  strength.  The  cattle  were  then  forced  to 
s\^dm  through  it.  The  results  were  not  satisfactory,  because  it 
irritated  the  animals  considerably  and  did  not  kill  all  the  ticks. 
We  also  tried  other  carbolic  preparations  in  a  similar  manner, 
but  found  ourselves  confronted  with  this  condition:  That  some 
of  the  ticks  would  survive  solutions  that  would  probably  be  fatal 
to  the  cattle  if  immersed  in  it.  On  one  occasion  we  seriously 
scalded  about  ninety  animals  by  using  a  too  concentrated  car- 
bolic preparation.  We  found,  also,  that  carbolic  emulsions  are 
very  unstable,  and  undergo  changes  very  rapidly,  which  makes 
them  almost  worthless  for  dipping  purposes.  Our  attention  was 
next  engaged  ^dth  an  arsenical  sheep  dip,  which  we  used  in  a  1 
per  cent  solution.  Of  this  we  made  up  4000  gallons  and  forced 
cattle  to  swim  through  it.  This  preparation  was  stable,  uniform,, 
and  non-irritating,  but  its  action  on  the  ticks  was  so  indifferent 
that  it  was  discarded.  Emulsions  of  kerosene  and  decoctions  of 
tobacco  were  also  tried  in  a  small  way  with  no  practical  results. 
We  next  began  using  oils.  The  first  season  we  used  cottonseed 
oil  to  which  had  been  added  10  per  cent  crude  carbolic  acid  and 
5  per  cent  pine  tar.  We  filled  the  vat  with  water  and  added 
about  100  gallons  of  the  oil  mixture,  which  made  a  layer  on  the 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  299 

surface  of  the  water  three-fourths  to  one  inch  in  depth.  The 
cattle  were  forced  through  the  chute  and  plunged  into  the  vat. 
On  rising  to  the  surface  and  coming  out  they  became  covered 
with  oil,  which  was  exceedingly  fatal  to  the  tick  without  causing 
any  positive  injury  to  the  cattle.  We  noted,  however,  that  such 
a  coating  of  oil  in  the  vat  soon  became  greatly  altered  in  appear- 
ance and  quality,  from  contact  with  the  water,  which  eventually 
induced  us  to  seek  a  substitute.  We  next  tried  a  cheap  natural 
or  mineral  oil,  called  "Winter  West  Virginia."  We  used  this  in 
the  same  manner  as  the  cotton  oil.  It  bears  agitation  with  water 
quite  well,  but  it  occurs  to  me  that  it  is  not  so  fatal  as  the  cot- 
ton oil  to  the  tick.  We  sometimes  use  it  alone,  and  sometimes 
add  carbolic  acid  to  it.  In  some  instances  we  have  dipped  a 
bunch  of  cattle  with  absolutely  perfect  results,  and  sometimes  we 
notice  an  animal  on  which  the  work  was  imperfect.  There  is 
yet  a  third  condition  of  aifairs  for  which  we  have  no  satisfactory 
explanation.  It  sometimes  occurs  that  half-grown  ticks  will  be 
noticed  several  days  after  dipping.  This  has  caused  us  great  an- 
noyance and  much  study.  At  present  we  attribute  it  to  the  con- 
dition of  the  tick  at  the  time  of  dipping,  viz.,  that  it  was  moult- 
ing. These  young  ticks  sometimes  increase  in  size,  and  may 
have  the  appearance  of  healthy  ticks,  but  we  have  invariably 
failed  to  hatch  their  eggs,  which  seem  to  have  been  aborted, 
though  the  conditions  were  suitable  as  proven  by  eggs  of  other 
ticks  hatching  under  the  same  conditions.  This  has  led  us  to  be 
somewhat  guarded  of  late,  in  claiming  that  one  dipping  will 
offer  sufficient  safeguard  against  Texas  fever,  if  the  dipping  pro- 
cess be  adopted  on  a  commercial  basis.  For  purely  experimental 
purposes  it  may,  but  in  our  Judgment  it  would  be  somewhat 
risky  for  general  use.  It  occurs  to  us  then,  that  if  a  change  in 
the  present  Federal  regulations  be  contemplated,  it  would  be 
wise  to  require  two  dippings  with  an  interval  of  several  days. 
This  we  believe  would  be  absolutely  safe." 
20 


300  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

By  reading  the  article  in  this  book  on  Texas  Fever,  it  will  be 
seen  that  the  tick  is  without  a  doubt  the  sole  transmitter  of  the 
disease,  and  a  large  dipping  vat  is  now  being  constructed  at  Fort 
Worth,  Texas,  where  cattle  will  be  dipped  under  State  and  Fed- 
eral inspection,  and  if  pronounced  free  from  ticks  they  will  be 
admitted  into  the  State  of  Kansas  for  feeding  purposes,  thus 
opening  a  market  from  Texas  to  summer  feeders  in  the  North. 
This  is  a  long  stride  in  the  direction  of  breaking  down  quaran- 
tine barriers,  and  will  be  watched  with  interest. 

HORN  FLY. 

This  is  a  little  black  fly  which  infests  certain  districts  of  the 
United  States  and  causes  great  annoyance  to  cattle.  They  have 
received  the  popular  name  of  "horn  fly"  from  the  fact  that  they 
collect  upon  the  horns  of  cattle  while  they  (the  flies)  are  at  rest. 
This  fly  first  made  its  appearance  in  any  great  numbers  in  the 
United  States  about  ten  years  ago,  and  at  that  time  some  very 
wild  stories  were  told  about  it.  It  was  claimed  that  the  fly  ate 
through  the  horn,  caused  it  to  rot,  and  laid  egffs  inside,  which, 
after  hatching,  penetrated  the  brain.  This,  however,  is  not  the 
case;  but  they  do  cause  great  annoyance  to  cattle  by  biting  them. 
They  prevent  thrift  in  beef  cattle  and  milk  production  in  dairy 
cows.  When  they  are  present  in  large  numbers  they  collect  upon 
the  base  of  the  horns,  along  the  top  of  the  neck,  or  under  the 
belly.  They  attack  cattle  in  the  field  by  piercing  the  skin  and 
sucking  the  blood.  Certain  cattle  will  be  covered  with  the  flies 
and  mind  them  very  little,  while  others  lose  flesh  very  rapidly. 
But  as  a  general  thing  they  are  not  very  injurious  to  stock  and 
will  never  cause  death  to  the  animal.  They  will  not  make  sores 
on  cattle,  but  sores  will  form  by  the  cattle  rubbing  themselves 
against  trees,  fences,  etc.,  to  get  rid  of  the  flies. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  301 

Treatment. — The  only  thing  to  be  done  is  to  keep  the  cattle  in 
dark  stables  during  the  day  or  apply  some  greasy  or  oily  sub- 
stance to  the  skin.  Crude  cottonseed  oil  1  gallon,  and  crude  car- 
bolic acid  4  ounces,  thoroughly  mixed  and  painted  on  the  cows 
with  a  large  brush,  will  keep  off  the  flies  for  four  or  five  days  at 
a  time.  The  female  fly  lays  its  eggs  in  the  droppings  of  cattle, 
which  soon  hatch  out  and  form  a  new  generation  of  flies.  These 
droppings  by  being  burned  when  a  little  dry  will  destroy  the 
eggs. 

SCREW-WORMS. 

The  maggots  from  the  screw-worm  fly  (Lucillia  macellaria)  are 
the  greatest  curse  to  stock,  and  cause  the  stockmen  of  Texas  more 
trouble  than  any  other  thing.  The  flies  deposit  their  eggs  on 
sores  on  stock,  and  these  eggs  hatch  out  in  a  remarkably  short 
time;  and  then  the  maggots  grow  very  rapidly,  and  in  two  or 
three  days  there  are  dozens,  or  perhaps  hundreds,  of  good-sized 
screw- worms  burrowing  and  boring  into  the  healthy  flesh;  and 
unless  killed,  they  will  in  many  cases  kill  the  animal.  Dogs  and 
pigs  will  drown  them  out  if  they  can  get  to  water,  but  they  have 
to  be  killed  by  the  use  of  medicine  as  a  general  thing  on  horses, 
cattle  and  sheep.  The  best  and  safest  remedy  we  know  for  kill- 
ing screw-worms  is  chloroform  1  part  and  alcohol  2  parts,  to  be 
injected  into  the  sore.  iVfter  kilUng  them  out,  dust  the  sore 
with  Dr.  LeGear's  Screw  Worm  Powder,  which  is  a  fine  healing 
preparation  and  keeps  out  the  screw-worms. 

THE  STIFF  DISEASE. ' 

This  is  a  fragilitis  (brittle)  conditon  of  bone,  and  is  variously 
known  as  "the  stiffness,''  "the  cripple,"  etc.  It  appears  to  be 
more  or  less  dependent  upon  a  peculiarity  of  soil,  being  common 
to  that  of  a  porous  or  sandy  nature,  and  more  or  less  sterile. 


302  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

We  have  been  confronted  with  similar  trouble  in  Texas,  counties 
of  Burnet,  Lampasas,  Tom  Green,  etc.,  where  the  disease  seems 
to  be  quite  common,  and  appears  to  be  due  to  a  lack  of  phos- 
phates, and  amonia  in  the  soil. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  has  a  depraved  appetite,  the  milk  de- 
creases and  becomes  thin,  watery,  and  of  a  bluish  color,  yielding 
but  little  cream.  The  animal  soon  gets  poor,  becomes  stitf  and 
weak,  rises  with  difficulty,  drags  the  hind  limbs  in  walking,  and 
usually  lies  down  a  great  deal;  the  joints  swell,  the  animal  evi- 
dently suffering  much  pain;  fracture  of  the  bones  are  common; 
paralysis  of  the  limbs  may  take  place.  The  disease  may  continue 
for  months,  or  even  as  long  as  a  year,  but  may  be  arrested  in  the 
early  stages. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  affected  animals  from  the  soil  on 
which  they  contracted  the  disease  to  a  pasture  where  the  char- 
acter of  the  land  is  entirely  different,  and  make  a  change  in  the 
water  supply  also.  Nutritious  food,  those  rich  in  phosphates,  are 
most  important,  for  the  assimilation  of  which  common  salt 
should  be  given.  If  the  drinking  water  is  soft  (rain  water),  give 
water  that  contains  carbonate,  sulphate,  or  phosphate  of  lime, 
and  chlorate  of  magnesia,  etc.  Not  much  can  be  done  for  ad- 
vanced cases,  and  treatment  is  almost  useless.  We  believe  it  is 
generally  due  to  the  influence  of  the  drinking  water,  and  con- 
sider that  the  relation  between  lime-salts  in  the  water  and  soft- 
ness of  bone  deserve  far  more  consideration  on  the  part  of  stock 
owners  than  is  generally  done. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  303 

CHAPTER  XXV. 
CONTAGIOUS  DISEASES. 

CHARBON  OR  ANTHRAX. 

Anthrax  may  be  defined  to  be  a  malignant  and  contagious  dis- 
ease of  the  blood,  attacking  particularly  cattle,  horses,  mules, 
sheep  and  goats,  but  communicable  to  all  domestic  animals.  It 
may  be  communicated  to  man,  and  is  then  known  as  "malignant 
pustule."  On  account  of  it  attacking  such  a  variety  of  the  do- 
mesticated animals  it  is  one  of  the  most  dreaded  scourges  of  ani- 
mal life. 

History. — This  disease  dates  back  to  the  siege  of  Troy,  in  Asia 
Minor,  and  was  a  terrible  plague  of  the  cattle  of  Egypt  in  the 
time  of  Moses.  And  in  response  to  the  casting  forth  of  ashes 
from  the  furnace  by  Moses,  the  modern  name  of  charbon,  an- 
thrax and  carbuncle,  all  signifying  burning,  would  seem  some- 
what remarkable.  The  Greeks  in  writing  about  it  in  regard  to 
man  called  it  anthrax,  while  the  Latin  writers  termed  it  car- 
buncle. In  Germany  it  is  called  milzbrand;  in  Australia,  Cum- 
berland disease.  In  the  Middle  Ages  it  was  frequently  confound- 
ed with  another  plague,  rinderpest,  but  the  outbreaks  of  it  in 
996  A.  D.  and  1090  A.  D.  in  France,  clearly  identified  it  as  a 
different  disease.  In  1617,  at  Naples,  Italy,  numbers  of  hu- 
man beings  died  from  eating  the  fiesh  of  aAimals  which  were 
affected  with  the  disease.  Serious  outbreaks  constantly  occur  in 
the  United  States,  and  it  has  a  great  tendency  to  spread.  In  re- 
cent years  the  most  noticeable  outbreaks  have  occurred  in  Dela- 
ware, New  Jersey^  New  York,  Illinois,  Louisiana  and  California. 
Between  June  15  and  October  15,  1893,  970  animals  succumbed 


304  Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

to  the  disease  in  five  counties  in  Illinois.  In  July,  1895,  2Z2 
died  in  one  county  in  New  Jersey.  And  it  is  reported  that  thou- 
sands of  animals  have  died  during  the  recent  outbreak  in  Louis- 
iana. It  is  quite  common  among  the  mules  of  Mexico.  Gen- 
erally speaking  the  germs  of  anthrax  seem  to  exist  wherever  the 
soil  is  of  a  marshy  nature,  and  outbreaks  are  always  likely  to  take 
place  where  such  soil  is  found. 

Causes.  —  The  causes  of  anthrax  were  at  one  time  attrib- 
uted entirely  to  climatic  influence,  the  soil,  etc.,  and  no  doubt 
they  are  important  predisposing  factors  in  the  development 
of  the  disease,  for  it  is  most  prevalent  in  low,  damp, 
swampy  districts  during  the  warm  season,  especially  when  out- 
breaks over  any  number  of  animals  occur.  Decaying  vegetable 
matter  seems  most  favorable  for  nourishing  and  preserving  the 
virus,  while  it  is  more  frequent  in  districts  where  low-lying 
swamp  lands  dry  out  during  the  heat  of  summer  and  are  then 
covered  with  light  rains.  The  direct  cause  of  anthrax  is  the  an- 
thrax bacillus  (bacillus  anthrax),  which  is  a  rod-like,  vegetable 
organism.  These  bacilli  are  very  small,  and  require  a  powerful 
microscope  to  see  them.  The  bacteria  multiply  very  rapidly  in 
the  blood  by  becoming  elongated  and  then  dividing  into  two,  and 
each  of  these  dividing,  and  so  on  indefinitely.  Outside  of  the 
body,  however,  when  under  conditions  favorable  to  growth,  they 
multiply  in  a  different  way.  Small  round  bodies  appear  within 
the  rods,  called  spores  (seed  germs),  which  remain  alive  after 
years  of  drying.  They  also  resist  extreme  heat,  so  that  boiling 
water  is  necessary  to  destroy  them.  The  bacilli  themselves,  on 
the  other  hand,  show  only  very  little  resistance  to  heat  and  dry- 
ing. 

The  spores  may  remain  in  the  ground  for  years  and  then  pro- 
duce an  outbreak  of  the  disease.  They  may  be  carried  to  land  on 
skin  scraps  which  are  used  as  fertilizers.  Weather,  rainfall  and 
temperature  in  particular  govern  the  source  of  the  contagion. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  305 

Heavy  rains  may  wash  the  seed  into  the  ground  as  deep  as  the 
water  itself  goes,  but  as  long  as  they  remain  there  of  course  they 
are  harmless.  Now  during  dry  weather  the  water  is  drawn  up 
through  good  soil  from  a  very  considerable  depth,  evaporated 
and  deposits  on  the  surface  whatever  it  brings  up  in  it.  Or  dur- 
ing light  rains  after  a  dry  spell  earth  worms  in  seeking  moisture 
may  bring  the  spores  to  the  surface  from  the  same  depths.  This 
places  the  seed  in  suitable  soil  and  temperature  to  sprout  and 
multiply  at  once,  or  they  may  find  their  way  into  the  animal's 
body  still  in  the  form  of  seed,  therein  germinate  and  develop  an 
epidemic.  This  explains  why  a  long  drouth  followed  by  light 
rains  is  characteristic  of  anthrax  weather. 

The  first  discovery  of  the  specific  virus  of  anthrax  was  made  by 
Davaine  in  1851.  But  it  was  left  to  M.  Pasteur,  the  great  French 
scientist,  who  in  1877  defined  the  exact  nature  of  the  bacillus, 
the  manner  of  its  production,  and  its  exact  relationship  to  an- 
thrax, as  the  real  cause  of  the  disease.  The  anthrax  bacilli  may 
be  introduced  into  the  body  in  three  different  ways:  either 
through  the  mouth  or  alimentary  canal,  through  the  respiratory 
organs,  or  through  the  skin.  When  the  infection  takes  place 
through  the  skin  it  is  usually  introduced  by  the  sting  of  some 
insect,  especially  the  large  horsefly.  This  fly  carries  the  poison 
from  the  carcasses  of  the  animals  which  have  died  of  the  disease 
and  simply  inoculates  it  into  the  skin  of  live  animals.  The  germs 
may  also  be  introduced  into  the  system  by  coming  in  contact 
with  a  wound  or  abrasion  of  the  skin  or  mucous  membrane.  And 
when  it  ailects  the  digestive  organs  the  germs  of  the  disease  are 
usually  taken  into  the  body  with  the  feed  or  water. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  as  a  general  thing  are  suddenly 
developed  and  very  alarming  in  character.  An  animal  may  be 
left  at  night  in  apparently  a  state  of  perfect  health  and  found 
the  next  morning  dead.  Milk  cows  have  been  milked  in  the 
morning  and  at  noon  found  dead.     Horses  and  mules  will  sue- 


306  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

cuinb  to  the  terrible  disease  while  working  in  the  field.  Pigs 
eating  at  a  trough  have  been  known  to  step  back,  turn  around, 
squeal,  tumble  down  and  die  in  a  minute.  This  may  properly  be 
called  the  apoplectic  form  of  the  disease,  and  the  most  thrifty 
animals  in  the  flock  or  herd  may  become  victims  of  the  disease, 
contracting  it  usually  in  its  most  acute  and  malignant  forms, 
while  the  poorer  animals  may  escape  entirely  or  take  it  in  a  mild 
form.  As  this  form  is  so  suddenly  developed,  death  takes  place 
before  any  symptoms  are  noticed.  But  in  other  forms  it  runs 
a  somewhat  longer  course.  The  symptoms  are  different  in  dif- 
ferent animals,  and  may  differ  in  the  same  class  of  animals. 

As  has  been  stated  before,  the  disease  germs  may  gain  access 
into  the  animal  in  several  ways,  viz.,  on  the  feed  or  in  the  water, 
thus  gaining  access  into  the  alimentary  canal;  through  the  air, 
passing  into  the  lungs;  and  by  inoculation  into  the  skin  or  mu- 
cous membrane,  by  coming  into  contact  with  diseased  animals  or 
infected  pastures,  premises,  etc.  When  the  infection  takes  place 
through  the  skin  a  hard,  warm,  painful  swelling  with  well  de- 
fined margins  form  under  the  skin  and  spread  rapidly  over  the 
surface.  The  infection  is  usually  accompanied  by  fever,  loss  of 
appetite,  and  quickened  respirations.  The  swelling  becomes  cold 
and  painless  in  a  few  days,  and  either  may  be  absorbed  or  the 
disease  spreads  to  the  intestinal  organs  and  proves  fatal  to  the 
animal.  But  when  the  disease  gains  access  through  the  alimen- 
tary canal  or  the  lungs,  there  is  a  very  high  fever,  a  small,  rapid 
pulse,  the  visible  mucous  membranes  of  a  bluish  red  color,  and 
in  some  cases  symptoms  of  congestion  of  the  brain,  also  of  colic 
and  diarrhoea  often  mixed  with  blood.  Chills  and  muscular 
tremors  may  appear,  and  the  skin  show  uneven  temperature. 
The  animal  becomes  dull  and  stupid,  the  eyes  staring,  and  mani- 
fests great  weakness.  There  is  also  losa  of  appetite,  labored 
breathing,  and  the  region  of  the  throat  may  become  swollen  to 
such  an  extent  that  the  breathing  becomes  roaring,  and  may  be 
followed  bv  suffocation.     The  disease  usuallv  lasts  from  a  few 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  307 

hours  to  two  or  three  days.  Recovery  is  very  rare.  An  examina- 
tion of  the  blood  shows  a  dark  fluid,  which  is  not  clot,  and  which 
remains  black  after  exposure  to  the  air.  After  death  the  bodies 
putrify  very  rapidly  and  bloat,  the  tissues  are  filled  with  gases, 
and  a  bloody  foam  exudes  from  the  mouth,  nostrils,  etc.  The 
spleen  becomes  enlarged  from  two  to  five  times  its  natural  size, 
and  the  pulse  is  blackish  and  soft.  The  liver  has  a  cooked  ap- 
pearance, and  the  kidneys  are  congested  and  also  soft. 

Treatment. — When  the  animal  becomes  affected  with  charbon 
it  almost  invariably  dies,  as  there  has  been  no  reliable  treatment 
discovered  as  yet.  Nearly  every  drug  in  the  pharmacopoeia  has 
been  tried  with  negative  results.  There  is  only  one  form  of  the 
disease  in  which  treatment  is  of  any  avail,  and  that  is  the  form 
in  which  the  disease  germs  gain  access  through  an  external 
wound  or  abrasion  of  the  skin.  In  such  cases  the  swellings 
should  be  opened  freely  by  long  incisions  with  a  sharp  lance  and 
the  wound  dressed  several  times  a  day  with  strong  antiseptic 
solutions.  No  matter  whether  treatment  is  adopted  or  not,  a  few 
of  the  affected  animals  may  recover,  but  recoveries  are  doubtful. 

Pasteur  in  1881  very  fortunately  discovered  a  protective  vac- 
cine, which  has  been  thoroughly  proven  to  be  a  sure  preventive 
against  the  disease.  It  is  well  known  how  human  beings  are 
protected  from  smallpox  by  vaccination.  All  domestic  animals 
can  in  the  same  way  be  protected  from  anthrax  by  the  use  of 
Pasteur's  anthrax  vaccine.  It  is  a  specially  prepared  liquid,  a 
few  drops  of  which  are  injected  under  the  skin  by  the  use  of  a 
hypodermic  syringe.  Vaccination  consists  of  two  inouculations, 
the  first  with  a  very  weak  virus,  while  the  second  is  somewhat 
stronger  and  injected  about  twelve  days  later.  Pasteur's  vaccine 
is  not,  and  is  not  intended  to  be  a  cure  for  charbon,  but  animals 
after  being  vaccinated  enjoy  immunity  from  the  disease  in  nearly 
every  case.  Vaccination  of  the  domestic  animals  against  this 
disease  is  being  practiced  quite  extensively  in  various  parts  of 


308  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

the  United  States  and  receives  the  highest  approval  of  our  lead- 
ing veterinarians.  In  a  locality  where  charbon  has  appeared  all 
stock  should  at  once  be  inoculated  with  Pasteur's  anthrax  vac- 
cine. By  vaccinating  all  unaffected  animals  and  immediately 
burning  all  dead  bodies,  a  check  can  very  quickly  be  made  in 
the  spread  of  this  dread  disease. 

TEXAS,  OE  SPLENETIC  FEVEE. 

This  is  a  specific  fever  communicated  by  cattle  which  have 
been  moved  northward  from  the  infected  district,  or  which  is 
contracted  by  cattle  taken  into  the  infected  districts  from  other 
parts  of  the  world.  It  is  characterized  by  a  high  fever,  greatly 
enlarged  spleen,  destruction  of  the  red  blood  corpuscles,  escape 
of  the  coloring  matter  of  the  blood  through  the  kidneys,  giving 
the  unrine  a  deep  color;  by  a  yellowness  of  the  mucus  membranes 
and  fat;  by  a  rapid  loss  of  strength,  and  by  fatal  results  in  a 
large  majority  of  cases.  This  disease  has  various  names  in  dif- 
ferent paris  of  the  country,  as  Spanish  fever,  acclimation  fever, 
red  water,  bloody  murrian,  etc. 

As  early  as  1814  the  people  of  Virginia  prohibited  cattle  from 
a  certain  district  in  South  Carolina  from  passing  through  their 
State,  on  account  of  these  cattle  so  certainly  diseasing  all  others 
with  which  they  mix  in  their  progress  to  the  north;  while  these 
cattle  were  in  perfect  health,  they  gave  to  all  others,  whether 
from  Europe  or  the  Northern  States,  a  disease  that  generally 
proved  fatal.  Similar  observations  have  been  made  in  regard  to 
nearly  all  of  the  Southern  States,  and  it  is  now  known  that  the 
infection  is  not  peculiar  to  Texas  or  even  the  Gulf  coast,  but  that 
it  extends  far  inward  and  northward  almost  to  the  southern 
limit  of  Maryland.  On  account  of  the  frequent  and  severe  losses 
following  the  driving  of  cattle  from  the  infected  districts  in 
Texas  into  and  across  the  Western  States  and  territories,  the 
name  of  Texas  fever  became  attached  to  this  disease. 


Dr.  LeGear^s  Stock  Book.  30^ 

Northern  cattle  taken  into  the  infected  district  contract  this 
disease  usually  the  first  summer,  and  if  milk  cows  or  fat  cattle, 
nearly  all  die.  Calves  are  much  more  likely  to  recover  than 
adult  cattle.  Calves  which  survive  are  not  again  attacked,  as  a 
rule,  even  after  they  become  adult.  Experience  shows  that  the 
disease  is  not  communicated  by  animals  coming  near  or  in  con- 
tact with  each  other.  Cattle  from  the  infected  district  first  in- 
fect the  pastures,  roads,  cars,  etc.,  by  the  mature  cattle-tick 
dropping  from  their  bodies;  and  susceptible  cattle  obtain  the 
virus  (poison)  from  the  young  ticks  which  hatch  out  from  eggs 
deposited  on  the  ground,  and  which  crawl  upon  them.  But  if 
sufficient  freezing  takes  place  during  the  winter  season,  these 
infected  pastures,  etc.,  will  be  free  from  any  attack  next  season, 
as  all  the  ticks  have  been  killed. 

The  investigations  made  by  the  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry 
prove  that  ticks  which  adhere  to  cattle  from  the  infected  dis- 
trict are  the  chief  means  of  conveying  the  infection  to  non-in- 
fected cattle;  that  the  disease  is  never  transmitted  by  the  saliva 
(spittle),  the  urine,  or  the  manure  through  eating  of  foods  con- 
taminated by  these  excretions.  The  feet  of  cattle  are  not  capa- 
ble of  carrying  the  germs.  Grasses  and  pond  water  of  the 
infected  districts  of  the  Southern  States  do  not  cause  the  disease 
when  given  to  cattle.  In  studying  the  causation  and  prevention 
of  this  disease,  the  tick  theory  has  attracted  the  most  attention, 
and  it  stands  to  reason  that  if  cattle  could  be  freed  from  this 
parasite  when  leaving  the  infected  district,  they  would  not  be  able 
to  cause  the  malady.  That  this  is  true  has  been  conclusively 
proven  by  recent  experiments  in  connection  with  the  Texas  Ex- 
periment Station  near  Bryan  in  co-operation -with  the  Missouri 
Experiment  Station  at  Columbia.  Ten  Texas  cows  covered  with 
ticks  were  forced  to  swim  through  a  large  dipping  vat  made  for 
such  purposes,  and  afterwards  sent  by  car  to  Columbia,  Missouri. 
Missouri  cattle  were  put  in  the  pasture  with  the  Texan  cattle, 
and  remained  there  for  a  period  of  79  days,  but  failed  to  contract 


510  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

the  disease.  And  throughout  this  period  not  a  tick  was  found 
•on  the  Missouri  cattle;  nor  could  any  be  found  on  the  Texas  cat- 
tle, save  a  few  brought  with  them,  which  soon  disappeared.  It 
would  appear  from  this  experiment  that  great  benefits  would 
accrue  to  the  cattle  and  farming  industry  of  the  whole  country 
from  the  dipping  process;  the  danger  of  infecting  northern  ter- 
ritory in  the  transfer  of  these  animals  would  be  overcome;  a  mar- 
ket previously  closed  would  be  opened  to  summer  feeders  in  the 
North,  in  seasons  of  abundance  of  corn  and  grass  and  a  scarcity 
of  cattle. 

Nature  and  Cause. — Texas  fever  is  caused  by  a  micro-parasite 
(little  animal  living  on  another)  which  lives  within  the  red  blood- 
corpuscles  and  destroys  them.  It  is  therefore  a  disease  of  the 
blood.  The  little  organism  is  carried  and  introduced  into  the 
blood  of  animals  by  the  cattle  tick  (boophilus  bovis)  which  may 
be  found  on  nearly  all  Texas  cattle.  It  is  not,  therefore,  a  micro- 
scopic plant,  but  it  belongs  to  the  lowest  form  of  animal  life. 
This  very  little  animal  multiplies  very  rapidly  in  the  body  of  the 
infected  animal,  and  in  severe  cases  causes  great  destruction  of 
the  red  blood  corpuscles  in  a  short  time. 

All  the  disease  processes  which  go  on  in  Texas  fever,  as  seen  by 
examining  the  organs  after  death,  all  result  from  the  destruction 
of  red  blood-corpuscles.  When  this  destruction  is  rapid,  we  have 
the  acute,  usually  fatal,  type  of  Texas  fever,  usually  witnessed 
during  the  latter  weeks  of  x\ugust  and  the  early  weeks  of  Septem- 
ber. Cases  of  the  mild  type  occurring  early  in  the  season  usually 
become  acute  later  on  and  terminate  fatally. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  first  shows  itself  in  dullness,  loss  of 
appetite,  and  a  tendency  to  leave  the  herd  and  stand  or  lie  down 
alone.  The  temperature  of  the  body,  taken  per  rectum  by  a 
fever  thermometer  (Fig.  19),  shows  an  elevation,  in  acute  cases, 
to  106-107  degrees  Fahrenheit.    When  the  temperature  does  not 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  311 

rise  above  104  degrees  Fahrenheit,  the  disease  is  milder  and 
more  prolonged.  The  bowels  are  usually  constipated,  and  t*)- 
ward  the  fatal  end  the  feces  may  become  softer  and  tinged  with 
bile.  The  urine  near  the  fatal  termination  is  deeply  stained  with 
the  coloring  matter  of  the  blood,  while  during  the  course  of  the 
disease  it  may  be  quite  natural  in  color.  The  pulse,  as  well  as 
the  breathing,  is  also  quickened.  As  the  end  approaches  the 
animal  becomes  very  weak  and  stupid,  the  blood  is  thin  and 
watery,  and  the  poor  sufferer  may  lie  down  most  of  the  time,  or 
until  death  takes  place. 

Examination  after  Death. — It  is  very  important  at  times  to 
know  whether  an  animal  died  of  Texas  fever  or  some  other  dis- 
ease. This  can  as  a  rule  be  determined  at  once  by  a  thorough 
microscopic  examination  of  the  blood.  But  as  this  method  is  en- 
tirely in  the  hands  of  experts,  the  general  reader  will  have  to 
depend  on  certain  changes  caused  by  this  disease,  which  may  be 
detected  by  the  naked  eye  when  the  animal  is  opened.  These 
changes  in  the  internal  organs  are  as  follows:  The  spleen  or 
milt  is  much  larger  than  in  a  healthy  state,  weighing  three  or 
four  times  as  much,  and  its  contents  or  pulp  consists  of  a  mottled 
blackish  mass.  The  liver  is  also  found  to  be  enlarged,  has  lost 
its  natural  brownish  color,  and  has  on  its  surface  a  paler,  yel- 
lowish hue.  The  gall  bladder  is  found  to  be  fully  distended  with 
bile  of  a  cloudy  or  flaky  consistency.  The  contents  of  the  blad- 
der should  be  examined.  This  usually  contains  urine  which 
varies  in  color  from  a  deep  port  wine  to  a  light  claret.  These 
are  the  principal  changes  and  sufficient  proof  of  the  trouble. 

Prevention. — According  to  the  latest  experiments,  Texas  fever 
is  carried  north  only  by  the  cattle  tick.  Hence,  to  prevent  Texas 
fever  north  of  the  quarantine  line,  the  pastures,  etc.,  must  be 
kept  free  from  cattle  ticks,  and  to  do  this,  no  Southern  cattle 
with  ticks  must  be  allowed  upon  them.    Cattle  cars  may  also  be 


312  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

the  means  of  conveying  ticks  from  one  part  of  the  country  to 
another.  Knowing  that  Southern  cattle  when  free  from  ticks 
are  harmless  to  Northern  cattle,  various  experiments  have  been 
going  on  as  to  the  best  means  of  destroying  these  ticks.  The 
flipping  process,  up  to  the  present  time,  has  proven  the  most 
effectual.  All  cattle,  before  being  shipped  North,  should  be 
dipped  in  a  vat  made  for  the  purpose,  when  they  can  be  safely 
taken  into  non-infected  territory. 

Treatment. — ^When  once  the  disease  has  broken  out,  the  heal- 
thy should  be  separated  from  the  sick  animals  and  put  upon  non- 
infected  pastures.  While  this  may  not  cut  short  the  disease,  it 
may  save  the  lives  of  some  by  removing  them  from  the  possibility 
of  being  attacked  by  more  young  ticks;  also  prevents  a  second 
later  attack  in  October  or  November,  which  is  caused  by  another 
generation  of  ticks.  As  far  as  possible,  remove  all  ticks  from 
the  sick  and  well  animals.  To  accomplish  this,  apply  some  oil, 
as  cottonseed  oil  or  black  machine  oil,  with  a  paint  brush,  to 
those  parts  usually  affected.  The  giving  of  sulphur  is  said  to 
cause  the  ticks  to  loosen  their  hold  and  drop  off.  Medicinal 
treatment,  so  far,  has  been  useless,  as  nearly  all  animals  having 
the  acute  form  of  the  disease  die.  It  is  quite  probable  that  the 
blood  serum  (sero-vaccine)  treatment  by  vaccination,  lately  com- 
ing into  use,  will  produce  immunity  from  the  disease.  This  is 
a  departure  from  all  the  methods  previously  employed  in  this  dis- 
ease. It  is  simply  a  test  of  a  law  laid  down  by  Behring,  namely, 
that  if  an  animal  has  acquired  immunity  against  a  disease  pro- 
ducing micro-organisms  or  its  toxins,  the  serum  from  the  blood 
of  the  immunized  animal  will  prevent  the  disease  in  another  sus- 
ceptible animal. 

How  well  we  know  that  immunity  (proof)  from  smallpox  is 
acquired  by  vaccination;  also  the  anti-toxin  treatment  in  the 
cure  and  prevention  of  diphtheria.  So  we  believe  the  same  re- 
sults can  be  obtained  by  what  may  be  called  the  "anti-toxin"  or 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  313 

"serum"  method  of  treatment  in  Texas  fever.  It  is  true  that 
Texas  fever  is  caused  by  an  animal  parasite  (protozoon);  while 
in  diphtheria,  the  cause  is  a  vegetable  parasite  (bactera).  This 
difference  in  the  nature  of  the  cause  of  these  two  diseases,  has 
led  most  investigators  to  the  belief  that  there  must  be  a  differ- 
ence in  the  process  by  which  immunity  is  acquired.  But  the 
simple  law  of  immunity  will  teach  us  that  there  can  be  no  essen- 
tial difference  in  the  process  by  which  immunity  is  acquired 
against  micro-organisms  and  poisons  of  any  kind.  Immunity 
against  Texas  fever  is  certainly  acquired,  and  is  fully  as  effective 
as  that  acquired  against  any  of  the  bacterial  diseases.  In  natur- 
ally acquired  immunity  against  Texas  fever  the  ticks  have  taken 
the  place  of  the  hypodermic  syringe  in  the  way  of  inoculation. 
The  animal  may  while  young,  if  the  dam  is  immune,  gain  im- 
munity through  the  milk;  and  on  Southern  soil  the  ticks  keep  up 
the  natural  inoculations  from  year  to  year  by  which  immunity 
from  the  disease  is  obtained. 

The  serum  used  in  this  preventative  treatment  must  be  ob- 
tained from  a  Texas  steer  or  cow,  or  any  other  animal  that  has 
had  the  disease  and  recovered,  or  is  naturally  immuned.  It  is  in- 
jected or  inoculated  by  a  hypodermic  syringe  under  the  skin  of 
the  animal  to  be  treated.  This  blood  serum  sets  up  a  slow  pro- 
cess of  disease  in  the  animal,  and  after  sufficient  has  been  in- 
jected to  make  the  animal  safe  from  an  attack,  the  ticks  that 
infest  her  body  from  year  to  year  afterwards  continue  to  keep 
the  animal  in  a  state  of  immunity.  The  serum  is  meant  to  tide 
them  over  the  acclimation  period,  and  can  be  prepared  and  used 
by  any  one  having  the  apparatus  and  proper  instruments.  It 
can  be  obtained  at  the  Texas  Experiment  Station,  where  they 
keep  it  on  hand  or  prepare  it  fresh  on  short  notice. 


'\3^ 


Dk.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  315 


BOVINE  TUBERCULOSIS,  OR  ANIMAL  CONSUMPTION. 

In  speaking  of  consumption,  it  is  generally  understood  io 
mean  a  disease  of  the  human  family  characterized  by  an  affection 
or  "wasting  away"  of  the  lungs.  But  we  may  have  consumption 
of  other  organs  of  the  body  as  well,  and  so  are  the  lower  animals 
subject  to  this  same  disease. 

We  are  not  sure  of  the  exact  time  that  this  disease  made  its 
first  appearance,  but  it  has  been  known  for  many  centuries,  and 
legislative  enactments  having  reference  to  the  destruction  of  af- 
fected animals  and  forbidding  the  use  of  the  flesh  date  far  back 
into  the  Middle  Ages. 

Nature  and  Cause. — All  kinds  of  theories  prevailed  as  to  the 
nature  and  cause  of  consumption  until  Robert  Koch,  in  1882, 
proved  it  to  be  a  disease  due  to  a  germ  (bacillus  tuberculosis) 
and  that  this  germ  caused  the  disease  in  all  the  lower  animals 
and  in  man.  This  wonderful  discovery  at  once  put  an  end  to  all 
disputes  and  controversies  as  to  it  causation.  The  germ  is  a 
slender,  rod-like  body,  so  small  that  it  can  not  be  seen  with  the 
naked  eye.  When  it  has  become  lodged  in  any  organ  or  tissue 
it  begins  to  multiply,  setting  up  an  irritation  which  leads  to  the 
formation  of  little  nodules  or  tubercles;  these,  when  full  grown, 
are  about  the  size  of  a  millet  seed.  When  these  tubercles  con- 
tinue to  form  in  large  numbers  they  run  together,  forming 
masses  of  various  sizes. 

There  are  several  ways  in  which  these  germs  may  find  their 
way  into  the  body:  First,  by  inhalation  into  the  lungs;  second, 
into  the  digestive  tract  in  the  milk  of  consumptive  cows.  Other 
ways  could  be  given,  but  the  two  named  are  the  most  common 
modes  of  infection. 

It  has  been  shown  by  thousands  of  experiments  that  the  dis- 
21 


316  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

ease  is  transmissible  from  one  animal  to  another  of  the  same 
species,  and  from  one  species  to  another.  No  matter  how  the 
germs  may  enter  the  system,  whether  inhaled,  taken  in  with  food 
or  inoculated,  the  disease  is  liable  to  ensue.  A  consumptive  ani- 
mal placed  among,  animals  communicates  the  disease  to  those 
previously  healthy.  Milk  from  an  affected  cow  fed  to  cats, 
calves,  hogs,  guinea  pigs,  etc.,  produces  the  disease  in  them.  In- 
oculating the  infected  milk  into  other  animals  produces  the  dis- 
ease. Sputa  coughed  up  by  man  and  carelessly  spit  out  has  been 
licked  up  and  devoured  by  animals  and  produced  the  disease  in 
them. 

When  the  stomach,  intestines  and  mesenteric  glands  are  dis- 
eased, it  is  probably  the  result  of  food  infection.  The  germs  of 
the  disease  may  have  been  scattered  upon  the  feed  by  diseased 
animals.  But  the  milk  of  consumptive  cows  is  the  most  common 
source  of  such  infection.  Calves  may  become  infected  in  this 
way,  and  the  disease  may  not  develop  until  the  animal  becomes 
older. 

Up  to  a  recent  period  the  opinion  prevailed  that  it  was  only 
milk  from  cows  with  diseased  udders  that  was  extremely  dan- 
gerous, but  the  experiments  of  Professor  Ernst  of  Harvard  Uni- 
vei-sity  and  many  others  have  demonstrated  the  fact  that  milk 
from  a  consumptive  cow  may  contain  the  germs,  even  though  the 
udder  is  absolutely  free  from  disease. 

While  we  believe  in  the  germ  theory,  yet  there  are  conditions 
which  must  be  recognized  as  almost  necessary  to  an  attack  of  the 
disease.  Unsanitary  conditions,  such  as  overcrowding  in  poorly 
ventilated  and  lighted  stables,  and  feeding  of  food  that  is  not 
nutritious  are  conditions  which  favor  the  genns  in  their  attack. 
Any  injury  to  the  lungs  such  as  inhalation  of  dust  and  smoke 
and  all  conditions  which  may  induce  chronic  inflammation  of 
the  bronchial  tubes. 

Of  all  points  in  the  subject  none  seem  to  be  more  assailed  than 
heredity.    There  has  been  no  positive  proof  of  the  disease  having 


Dr.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book.        *  317 

l)eeii  inherited,  but  it  is  a  fact  nevertheless,  and  one  of  almost 
daily  occurence,  that  the  disease  reaps  its  harvest  among  the  off- 
spring of  consumptive  parents.  A  weakly,  consumptive  parent 
generally  transmits  a  similar  constitution,  which  is  extremely 
liable  to  the  disease;  and  when  it  appears  at  an  early  age  those 
who  believe  in  heredity  think  that  there  has  been  an  "hereditary 
infection^'  instead  of  an  early  "direct  infection."  Among  the 
wild  herds  of  the  plains  consumption  is  practically  unknown, 
while  among  the  cows  of  closely  confined  dairy  herds  it  is  quite 
common. 

Prevalence,  etc. — Consumption,  whether  in  man  or  the  lower 
animals,  is  a  disease  prevalent  in  -all  civilized  countries.  In  some 
countries,  such  as  the  northern  part  of  Norway  and  Sweden,  on 
the  steppes  of  eastern  Europe  and  Kussia,  in  Sicily  and  Iceland 
it  is  said  to  be  quite  rare. 

Where  cattle  are  few,  or  absent,  consumption  is  relatively  less 
in  man.  Dr.  Burich  pointed  out  the  fact  in  countries  like  Aus- 
tralia and  the  Sandwich  Islands  consumption  among  the  people 
did  not  exist  until  after  dairy  cattle  were  introduced.  He  also 
called  attention  to  the  fact  that  consumption  prevails  in  all  coun- 
tries where  the  dairy  products  are  derived  from  cattle.  He  fur- 
ther says:  Morocco,  where  there  are  no  European  dairy  cows, 
is  exempt  from  consumption,  while  in  Spain  and  Portugal,  where 
dairying  is  carried  on  in  European  style,  the  disease  exists. 

In  most  countries  an  effort  is  now  being  made  to  determine 
more  accurately  the  prevalence  of  the  disease.  Statistics  show 
that  75  per  cent  of  old  dairy  cows  in  Germany  have  tuberculosis. 
In  Denmark  nearly  40  per  cent  of  the  cattle  have  been  found  to 
be  consumptive.  Some  herds  tested  in  the  United  States  showed 
that  32  per  cent  were  affected.  Some  herds  tested  proved  to  be 
entirely  free  from  the  disease.  Of  all  the  cattle  killed  in  Ger- 
many at  the  slaughter  houses  from  16  to  25  per  cent  have  been 
found  affected. 


318  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

In  the  West  and  Southwest  of  our  country,  where  cattle  are 
reared  mostly  in  the  open  air,  the  disease  is  apparently  quite  rare,, 
as  most  of  the  animals  are  ahle  in  a  measure  to  resist  the  con- 
tagion, and  only  occasional  animals  in  a  herd  show  any  physical 
signs  of  the  disease. 

Symptoms. — In  the  first  stages  of  the  disease  it  is  very  diffi- 
cult to  detect.  It  is  a  disease  slow  in  its  course,  and  at  first  un- 
noticed; many  cases  never  show  any  symptoms,  and  are  found 
only  to  be  tuberculosis  when  killed.  In  those  animals  showing 
symptoms  there  is  generally  a  dry,  hoarse  cough,  at  first  slight, 
occurring  after  feeding  or  drinking;  it  may  be  easily  excited  by 
running  the  animal.  As  the  disease  progresses,  the  animal  grows 
thin  and  has  an  unthrifty  appearance  of  the  coat,  etc.;  this  per- 
sists in  spite  of  good  feed.  The  cough  now  becomes  more  fre- 
quent and  the  breathing  more  rapid,  especially  on  slight  exer- 
tion; the  breath  becomes  offensive,  and  usually  there  is  a  dis- 
charge from  the  nose.  Weakness  continually  increases,  followed 
by  disorder  of  digestion — bloatinp-  and  diarrhoea — and  the  ani- 
mal finally  dies  from  exhaustion.  Often  all  symptoms  are  want- 
ing in  spite  of  the  existence  of  the  disease,  and  in  such  cases  the 
tuberculin  test  must  be  used. 

Tuberculin  Test. — Tuberculin  is  a  glycerine  extract  of  the 
culture  of  the  bacillus  tuberculosis  (germ  of  the  disease),  and 
when  injected  under  the  skin  it  has  the  property  of  causing  a 
rise  in  temperature  in  all  animals  suffering  from  this  disease. 
It  is  also  known  as  Koch's  lymph.  In  animals  free  from  the 
disease  no  reaction  takes  place  after  the  use  of  the  tuberculin.  It 
is  therefore  a  valuable  agent  for  detecting  all  tuberculous  cattle 
in  an  infected  herd,  and  is  the  only  means  by  which  this  can  be 
accomplished. 

In  1890  Koch,  under  pressure,  made  public  his  work  on  tu- 
berculin.    This  resulted  in  a  tremendous  and  intense  excite- 


Dr.  LeG  ear's  Stock  Book.  319 

ment  all  over  the  world,  and  consumptives  undertook  journeys 
of  hundreds  of  miles  for  the  sake  of  being  treated  with  the  new 
cure  for  consumption.  It  was  noticed  by  several  observers  that 
when  a  person  suffering  from  consumption  received  an  injec- 
tion of  the  lymph,  it  invariably  caused  a  rise  in  temperature; 
and  in  1891  Gutman,  a  Russian,  took  advantage  of  this  fact  and 
began  to  make  experiments  with  it  as  a  diagnostic  agent  in  cattle; 
and  as  a  result  of  which,  we  are  able  to  detect  the  slightest 
forms  of  the  disease. 

On  account  of  the  deep-seated  tubercles  usually  existing  with 
superficial  ones,  they  render  tuberculin  almost  useless  as  a  cura- 
tive agent,  since,  to  eradicate  the  disease,  the  deep-seated  tuber- 
cles must  be  afterwards  removed  by  surgical  means. 

But  this  action  which  renders  tuberculin  so  objectionable  as 
a  curative  agent,  makes  it  of  the  highest  value  as  a  test  of  tu- 
berculosis in  cattle.  The  minute  (small)  dose  which  has  no 
•effect  on  a  healthy  cow,  sheep  or  goat,  when  employed  on  the 
slightly  tuberculous  one,  produces  an  acceleration  of  the  disease 
process,  and  in  eight  to  fifteen  hours  a  material  rise  of  tempera- 
ture. 

This  has  been  now  employed  on  thosuands  of  cows,  and  those 
who  have  used  it  most  value  it  the  most  highly;  whereas  many 
who  at  first  reported  reactions  in  non-tuberculous  animals  are 
now  acknowledging  with  Nocard,  one  of  the  best  veterinarians  in 
Europe,  that  the  fault  has  been  mainly  their  own,  for  the  tuber- 
cles were  present,  but  were  overlooked  through  careless  and 
iaulty  post  mortems. 

The  explanation  of  the  reaction  under  tuberculin  may  be  sim- 
ply stated  as  follows:  The  dose  is  so  small  that  it  will  not  affect 
a  healthy  cow  under  ordinary  conditions.  In  the  slightly  dis- 
eased cow  the  system  contains  a  certain  amount  of  tuberculin 
produced  by  the  bacillus  (germ)  in  the  tubercles,  or  nodules, 
I)ut  to  this  the  system  has  become  accustomed  and  it  causes  no 
appreciable  fever.    But  when,  in  addition  to  this,  we  introduce 


320  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

into  the  body  of  the  cow  the  small  amount  of  tuberculin  used 
for  the  test,  the  increased  dose  acts  on  tubercle  and  nerve  cen- 
ters alike,  and  a  fever  is  produced. 

.  Post  Mortem. — An  examination  after  death  of  internal  organs 
should  always  be  made  on  any  animal  that  dies,  or  which  has 
been  slaughtered,  presenting  the  above  symptoms,  which  will 
generally  enable  even  the  inexperienced  to  recognize  this  disease 
if  present.  In  advanced  cases  the  principal  changes  are  usually 
found  in  the  lungs  and  the  lymphatic  glands  or  in  connection 
with  the  same.  The  surface  or  substance  of  the  lung  will  gen- 
erally show  solid  cheese-like  masses  of  varying  size.  A  favorite- 
situation  for  these  tubercular  masses  is  in  the  glands  between 
and  at  the  root  of  the  lung.  They  may  also  be  found  in  the  ab- 
dominal organs;  in  fact,  the  germs  of  the  disease  may  find  lodg- 
ment in  any  organ  of  the  body. 

Treatment. — Inasmuch  as  there  is  no  specific  for  this  disease^ 
it  is  of  the  utmost  importance  that  all  animals,  as  far  as  pos- 
sible, be  protected  from  the  contagion.  The  difficulty  of  know- 
ing when  cattle  first  become  affected  makes  it  impossible  (except 
by  the  tuberculin  test)  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  infection. 
Too  much  care  can  not  be  bestowed  upon  the  breeding,  the  sur- 
roundings, and  the  food  of  the  animal  so  that  the  latter  may 
be  the  more  able  to  resist  infection  even  when  exposed  to  it. 
A  rigid  exclusion  of  tuberculous  animals  is  all  that  is  necessaiy 
to  prevent  the  appearance  of  the  disease,  provided  consumptive 
persons  or  other  animals  do  not  infect  the  cattle. 

The  carcasses  of  all  animals  which  have  died  of  consumption 
should  be  burned  or  buried  deeply,  so  that  other  animals  can  not 
eat  them.  Hogs,  dogs,  cats,  etc.,  eating  such  carcasses  and  con- 
tracting the  disease,  may  in  turn  give  the  disease  to  other  ani- 
mals and  man. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  321 

Danger  iu  Mill-. — It  is  plain  that  the  only  means  we  have  to 
insure  a  safe  milk  supply  to  consumers  is  the  inspection  of  the 
source  of  the  milk — the  cow.  The  examination  of  the  milk  it- 
self would  be  a  farce,  for  the  simple  reason  that  the  time  required 
for  microscopical  examination  and  chemical  analyses  of  all  milk 
sold  would  make  such  tests  utterly  impossible  and  impracticable. 
We  need  not  fear  intentional  or  criminal  adulteration  of  milk  by 
the  dairyman;  he  will  add  nothing  harmful  to  human  health; 
it  is  the  cow  we  must  fear,  and  in  order  to  make  inspection  of 
benefit  to  hiimanity,  the  cow  should  be  ascertained  to  be  free 
from  consumption  beyond  all  doubt.  Happily  for  mankind,  this 
is  being  done  all  the  world  over  with  perfect  success.  The  "tu- 
berculin test"  applied  to  the  cows  at  regular  intervals  will  enable 
the  disease  to  be  kept  out  of  the  herd.  People  who  have  had  no 
experience  with  tuberculin  may  talk  against  it  and  argue  against 
it,  but  their  idle  boasting,  wild  statements,  and  pretended  knowl- 
edge do  not  do  away  with  the  fact  that  tuberculin  is  a  reliable 
diagnostic  for  bovine  (cattle)  consumption,  and  has  been  proven 
to  be  such  in  proper  hands  so  invariably  that  all  civilized  gov- 
ernments, including  our  own,  employ  it  in  their  official  work 
in  connection  with  consumption. 

Cattle  consumption  is  a  question  that  must  come  under  State 
supervision  sooner  or  later.  There  can  be  no  doubt  of  the  con- 
tagious and  infectious  nature  of  the  disease,  and  hence  the  State 
and  local  boards  of  health  should  have  their  powers  enlarged  to 
be  able  to  handle  the  question.  There  is  no  reason  why  con- 
sumer/? of  milk  should  continue  to  daily  run  the  risk  they  now 
do,  when  it  is  only  necessary  for  the  city  council  to  pass  an  or- 
dinance creating  the  office  of  dairy  inspector,  whose  duty  it 
should  be  to  test  all  cows  in  dairies  supplying  milk  to  consumers 
and  see  that  no  milk  is  sold  which  does  not  come  from  cows 
})roven  to  be  free  from  consumption. 


322  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Danger  in  Meat. — The  flesh  is  not  so  dangerous  as  the  milk  of 
tuberculous  cows.  It  is  quite  rare  to  find  tubercle  in  the  sub- 
stance of  the  muscle  of  cattle.  They  are  common,  however,  in 
the  lymphatic  glands  lying  between  the  muscles;  but  in  swine 
they  are  common,  even  in  the  red  flesh.  The  flesh  of  tuberculous 
pigs  is  therefore  far  more  dangerous  than  that  of  consumptive 
cattle. 

A  further  safeguard  against  the  eating  of  the  flesh  of  animals 
is  that  it  is  cooked  before  it  is  eaten,  while  milk  as  a  general 
thing  is  not.  In  meat  that  is  thoroughly  cooked,  all  the  germs 
of  the  disease  are  destroyed.  Thoroughly  cooking  or  boiling  the 
milk  renders  it  entirely  safe  to  be  used  as  an  article  of  food. 

BLACKLEG— BLACK  QUARTEK. 

Blackleg  is  a  very  fatal  and  infectious  disease  of  young  cattle, 
which  is  at  the  present  time  causing  considerable  mortality  among 
calves  and  young  cattle  in  various  portions  of  Texas,  as  well  as 
in  other  States  of  the  Union.  It  is  a  world-wide  disease,  causing 
large  losses  among  young  cattle  in  Germany,  France,  Italy,  Bel- 
gium, Australia,  England,  etc.  In  this  country  it  is  known  by 
various  names,  such  as  blackleg,  black  quarter,  quarter  evil,  quar- 
ter ill,  symptomatic  anthrax,  etc.  Until  within  the  last  few  years 
it  was  considered  identical  to  anthrax,  but  it  is  now  proven  to  be 
a  specific  disease  produced  by  bacilli  (germs),  which  are  easily 
distinguished  from  anthrax  bacilli.  Cattle  between  six  months 
and  four  years  of  age  are  most  susceptible  to  the  disease.  Certain 
pastures  and.  districts  are  more  favorable  to  the  growth  of  the 
bacillus,  therefore  the  disease  is  more  common  there.  Swamps, 
bottom  lands,  or  any  low  lands  along  streams  that  are  subject  to 
inundations  and  floods  are  the  most  frequent  places  for  outbreaks 
of  the  disease,  although  it  will  occur  in  any  locality  regardless 
of  soil,  location,  altitude,  etc. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  323 

Causes.  —  Blackleg  is  causd  by  a  bacillus,  which  is  a  micro- 
scopic organism,  or  bacteria,  visible  only  by  the  use  of  a  power- 
ful microscope.  The  bacilli  are  cylindrical  or  rod-like  bodies 
and  have  the  power  of  indefinite  multiplication,  and  in  the  body 
of  an  infected  animal  they  produce  death  by  rapidly  increasing 
in  number  and  producing  substances  which  poison  the  body. 
In  the  body  they  multiply  in  number  by  becoming  elongated  and 
then  dividing  into  two,  each  new  germ  continuing  the  same  pro- 
cess indefinitely.  They  will  grow  and  multiply  outside  the  body 
when  in  a  favorable  locality  and  position  for  growth.  Oval  bodies 
appear  within  the  bacilli,  which  are  called  spores  (seeds),  and 
which  remain  alive  and  grow  and  produce  the  disease  after  sev- 
eral years  of  drying.  They  have  a  wonderful  power  of  resist- 
ance against  heat  and  cold,  as  it  takes  boiling  water  to  destroy 
them.  These  spores  often  collect  in  sufficient  numbers  in  feed 
and  cause  serious  outbreaks  of  blackleg  among  stall-fed  cattle. 

There  is  practically  no  danger  of  a  transmission  of  this  disease 
from  one  animal  to  another,  since  it  is  contracted  on  the  pas- 
tures from  the  ground  and  in  the  stables  from  the  food.  The 
bacilli,  if  not  already  in  the  soil,  finds  its  way  on  to  a  farm  or 
ranch  in  what  appears  at  times  to  be  the  most  unaccountable 
way.  Throwing  carcasses  of  animals  that  have  died  of  blackleg 
into  running  streams,  or  shallow  burial  near  running  streams, 
is  a  fertile  source  of  infection  to  pastures  along  such  streams  be- 
low. Dogs  or  wild  animals  may  dig  up  carcasses  not  buried  deep 
and  scatter  the  bacilli  and  spores  over  the  pastures.  M.  Pasteur 
by  a  series  of  experiments  has  proven  that  earth  worms  bring  the 
spores  to  the  surface  which  remain  a  source  of  danger  to  all 
young  cattle  that  graze  in  the  vicinity.  Before  the  disease  can 
be  produced  the  germs  must  gain  entrance  to  the  animal's  sys- 
tem by  some  means.  They  may  enter  the  system  through  sores 
and  abrasions  on  the  feet  or  legs  of  animals  as  they  walk  over  the 
pastures  or  through  mud  and  water.  The  most  common  source 
of  entry  of  the  bacilli  is  with  the  food  and  water.    There  may 


324  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book/ 

be  small  sores  or  abrasions  on  the  lips,  tongue,  cheeks,  throat, 
ot  any  abraded  surface,  or  ulcers  in  the  stomach  or  bowels 
through  which  the  bacilli  gain  entrance  to  the  blood,  and  when 
once  in  the  blood  they  multiply  very  rapidly  and  cause  death 
quickly. 

Symptoms. — The  disease  is  generally  produced  in  from  one  to 
three  days  after  the  animal  is  infected,  and  death  most  always 
follows  in  from  one  to  three  days  after  the  disease  sets  in.  The 
first  symptom  of  the  disease  shown  is  loss  of  appetite  and  rumi- 
nation, with  dullness  and  debility  and  a  high  fever.  The  most 
noticeable  symptom  is  the  appearance  of  a  turiior  or  swelling 
under  the  skin,  which  may  appear  before  the  animal  is  noticed 
sick,  or  shortly  after.  This  tumor  may  be  located  on  the  neck, 
shoulder,  breast,  thigh,  rump,  flanks,  etc.,  and  when  in  connec- 
tion with  the  limbs  causes  stiffness  and  lameness.  When  the 
tumor  is  handled  a  peculiar  crackling  sound  is  heard  under  the 
skin,  due  to  a  collection  of  gas  formed  by  the  bacilli  as  they  mul- 
tiply. The  animal's  breathing  becomes  difficult;  there  may  be 
attacks  of  colic,  and  the  animal's  weakness  increases  until  death 
ends  the  scene,  which  may  all  t-ake  place  in  a  few  hours  or  in 
two  or  three  days. 

Treatment. — Up  to  the  present  time  medicinal  treatment  for 
Black  Leg  has  been  almost  an  utter  failure.  .  Nearly  all  animals 
attacked  die.  As  the  disease  runs  such  a  rapid  course,  the  ani- 
mal is  too  near  death  before  noticed  sick  for  medicine  to  relieve. 
Since  medicinal  treatment  is  of  little  or  no  avail,  prevention  is 
the  most  important  subject  demanding  consideration.  When  the 
disease  breaks  out,  the  healthy  ones  should  at  once  be  removed 
from  the  diseased.  Those  that  die  should  be  at  once  burned  r 
buried  deeply.  All  well  animals  under  two  years  of  age  should 
be  vaccinated  with  Pasteur's  Black  Leg  Vaccine,  which  has 
proved  to  be  a  sure  preventative  against  the  disease.    It  is  well 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  325 

known  how  human  beings  are  protected  from  smallpox,  by  vac- 
cination. Young  cattle  can  in  the  same  way  be  protected  against 
black  ]eg  by  the  use  of  a  special  vaccine  which  is  a  preparation  of 
weakened  virus  discovered  by  Louis  Pasteur,  the  great  French 
scientist.  This  preventative  inoculation  is  being  extensively 
practiced  in  Texas  and  other  States  in  the  Union  with  very  grati- 
fying results.  In  some  districts  the  death  rate  from  year  to  year 
has  reached  upwards  of  30  per  cent,  but  since  Pasteur's  Black 
Leg  Vaccine  has  been  used  it  is  almost  entirely  overcome.  Stat- 
istics show  that  out  of  75,000  head  of  cattle  vaccinated  against 
black  leg  in  Texas  and  other  portions  of  the  United  States  with 
Pasteur's  Black  Leg  Vaccine,  less  than  one-third  of  1  per  cent 
died  from  the  disease,  while  over  10  per  cent  of  unvaccinated 
cattle  died  in  the  same  districts  from  black  leg. 

Vaccine  is  put  up  in  a  fine  white  powder  to  be  dissovled  in  a 
little  water  at  the  time  of  using.  Vaccination  consists  of  two 
inoculations  about  ten  days  apart,  by  the  use  of  a  graduated 
hypodermic  syringe.  The  most  suitable  and  convenient  places 
for  the  inoculation  are  in  the  shoulders,  ears  or  tail.  The  most 
convenient  time  for  vaccinating  is  at  branding  time,  when  one 
inoculation  can  be  given,  and  the  second  given  ten  days  later. 
The  operation  can  be  easily  and  quickl}^  done  in  the  chute,  and 
when  once  properly  vaccinated  the  animal  is  proof  against  the 
disease  through  life.  All  spring  and  summer  calves  should  be 
vaccinated  at  the  fall  branding,  as  black  leg  generally  begin,s 
late  in  the  fall  and  is  liable  to  break  out  at  any  time  during  the 
fall,  winter,  or  spring.  The  operation  is  perfectly  harmless  to 
the  animal  and  causes  no  sore  or  sickness.  It  is  not  advisable 
to  vaccinate  during  very  hot  or  very  cold  weather,  but  at  most 
any  other  time  it  is  perfectly  safe. 

[Any  one  wishing  further  particulars  regarding  the  use,  price, 
etc.,  of  this  vaccine  can  address  Dr.  L.  D.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas,, 
who  is  Texas  agent  for  Pasteur's  Black  Leg  Vaccine.] 


326  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


VAEIOLA  VACCINA  (COW  POX). 

This  disease,  commonly  known  as  cow  pox,  is  more  common 
among  cattle  than  any  other  class  of  animals.  It  is  an  eruptive 
pustular  disease,  usually  found  in  connection  with  the  udder 
(bag). 

Cause. — It  is  caused  by  contagion,  which  exists  only  in  the 
fixed  form. 

Symptoms. — There  is  usually  a  slight  fever,  the  flow  of  milk 
is  arrested,  and  the  appetite  is  impaired.  The  skin  of  the  udder 
and  teats  presents  a  reddened  appearance,  and  soon  red  patches 
^ccur,  known  as  papulae.  This  is  the  papular  stage  and  lasts 
three  or  four  days.  The  papulae  gradually  take  on  the  character 
of  vesicles,  becoming  filled  with  serum  (a  watery  fluid),  and,  like 
the  vesicles  in  horse  pox,  are  depressed  in  the  center,  as  though 
bound  down.  This  stage  is  the  vesicular  or  second  stage  of  the 
disease.  The  vesicles  gradually  become  pustules,  and  the  third 
or  pustular  stage  of  the  disease  is  now  reached.  As  many  as  five 
of  these  pustules  may  be  upon  one  teat,  and  each  the  size  of  a 
finger. 

Treatment. — As  a  general  thing  but  little  treatment  is  neces- 
sary. The  animal  should  be  fed  upon  food  of  a  laxative  nature. 
Great  care  must  be  taken  not  to  expose  the  animal  to  draughts 
of  cold  air,  taking  cold,  etc.  If  the  teats  are  so  sore  as  to  be 
very  painful  in  milking,  use  the  teat  syphon,  which  should  be 
nicely  oiled  and  gently  passed  up  the  teat,  when  the  milk  will 
come  away  of  itself.  Anoint  the  sores  on  the  teats  and  udder 
nicely  twice  a  day  with  caxbolized  vaseline.  Separat-e  the  ani- 
mals from  other  animals,  and  the  milk  should  not  be  used. 
The  attendant  should  not  be  allowed  to  attend  to  animals  un- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  327 

affected,  as  the  disease  can  in  this  way  be  carried  from  one  animal 
to  another.  The  lymph  or  vaccine  matter  used  to  vaccinate- 
people  for  purposes  of  protection  against  smallpox  is  obtained 
from  cattle  suffering  from  this  disease.  One  attack  gives  proof 
against  subsequent  attacks. 

ACTINOMYCOSIS— LUMP-JAW. 

Lump-jaw  is  the  formation  of  a  peculiar  tumor  on  the  head,, 
more  often  the  lower  jaw.  In  some  cases  the  soft  tissues  only 
are  affected,  while  in  others  the  bone  is  diseased,  the  latter  being 
far  more  serious.  In  these  latter  cases  the  bone  swells  out  and 
becomes  porous  and  honeycomb-like,  and  later  on  the  jaw  teeth 
will  become  loose  and  fall  out  from  the  results  of  the  bone 
spreading  away  from  the  teeth. 

Causes.  —  Lump-jaw  is  caused  by  a  germ  or  fungus  (actino- 
myces  or  ray-fungus)  which  gets  into  the  body  from  the  food 
or  by  an  abrasion  of  the  skin.  It  generally  gains  access  through 
a  hollow  tooth,  and  the  germs,  once  in  the  jaw-bone,  begin  to 
gi'ovi  and  multiply  and  disease  the  bone  to  such  an  extent  that  it 
begins  to  swell  and  enlarge,  causing  the  regular  lump- jaw  tumor. 
These  germs  have  frequently  been  found  on  the  straw  of  certain 
kinds  of  grain  and  grasses. 

Symptoms. — The  first  symptom  noticed  in  an  enlargement  on 
the  jaw.  It  may  appear  suddenly  and  grow  rapidly,  or  it  may 
come  on  gradually  and  grow  very  slow.  After  a  time  they  gen- 
erally break  and  discharge  a  thick  matter,  and  soon  form  into  a 
raw,  unhealthy-looking  sore.  The  matter  that  comes  from  the 
tumor  contains  great  quantities  of  the  germs,  and  if  discharged 
on  the  pastures  or  in  the  feed  troughs  is  dangerous  to  the  other 
cattle.  The  disease  is  far  more  prevalent  in  certain  districts  and 
localities,  as  the  germs  are  more  prevalent  in  these  places.    An 


328 


Dh.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


animal  affected  with  lump-jaw  is  unfitted  for  human  food  and  is 
rejected  by  inspectors  in  all  stock  yards;  therefore,  as  soon  as 
they  are  noticed  with  the  disease,  they  should  either  be  thor- 
oughly treated  or  killed,  as  a  recovery  seldom,  if  ever,  takes 
place  without  treatment. 


Fig.  58.    Two  Cases  of  Lump- J  aw. 


Treatment. — This  is  a  disease  unless  properly  treated,  very 
seldom  if  ever  recovers.  If  the  tumor  is  just  in  the  soft  tissues 
about  the  head,  it  can  be  cured  by  thoroughly  cutting  it  out. 
This  operation  should  be  undertaken  only  by  a  qualified  man,  as 
there  are  many  large  and  important  blood  vessels  about  the  head, 
which,  if  cut,  would  cause  serious  trouble.  If  the  tumor  affects 
both  the  bone  and  soft  tissues,  it  can  be  cured  in  the  majority  of 
cases,  if  taken  in  time,  by  thoroughly  cutting  it  out  and  giving 
the  animal  iodide  of  potassium  in  1-dram  doses  twice  per  day  for 
one,  two,  or  three  weeks,  as  the  case  demands.  The  United 
States  Bureau  of  Animal  Industry  has  made  extensive  experi- 
ments with  iodide  of  potassium  in  treating  this  disease,  with 
gratifying  results.  The  best  treatment  we  have  found  is  to  thor- 
oughly dissect  out  the  tumor  and  all  the  diseased  portion  of  the 
bone  that  can  be  easily  removed,  and  give  iodide  of  potash  in- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  329 

ternally.  The  wound  should  be  left  open  and  washed  off  every 
day  with  soap  and  water,  and  some  good  antiseptic  dressing  ap- 
plied, as  Dr.  LeGear's  Healing  Lotion  or  Dr.  LeGear's  Screw 
Worai  Powder.  For  an  ordinary  sized  cow,  give  one  dram  of 
iodide  of  potash  morning  and  night  as  a  drench  in  1  pint  of 
water,  or  give  1^  drams  once  a  day.  Give  the  medicine  before 
feeding.  After  you  have  given  the  iodide  for  six  or  eight  days 
you  may  notice  a  discharge  from  the  nose  and  eyes  and  a  scurf 
forming  in  the  skin.  When  that  is  noticed,  just  stop  giving  for 
two  days,  when  you  can  continue  again  as  before. 

FUNGUS  HAEMATODES,  OR  BLEEDING  CANCER.    • 

This  consists  of  a  dark-colored,  bloody-looking  or  vascular 
fungoid  tumor  protruding  from  the  cavity  of  the  eye.  It  is  a 
malignant  disease,  and,  fortunately,  is  very  rare.  The  tumor, 
being  removed,  always  has  a  tendency  to  return,  and  in  fact  does 
reappear  in  nearly  every  case. 

Causes.  —  It  may  follow  several  attacks  of  ophthalmia,  by 
which  it  is  thought  to  be  caused;  but,  on  account  of  its  malig- 
nant nature,  it  is  due,  no  doubt,  to  a  certain  morbid  (unhealthy) 
condition  of  the  blood. 

Symptoms. — First,  there  is  a  slight  irritation  of  the  eye,  caus- 
ing a  flow  of  tears;  a  small  fungoid  tumor  soon  puts  in  an  appear- 
ance, growing  steadily  and  rapidly,  so  that  it  soon  pushes  the 
eye  aside  and  hangs  down  over  the  cheek.  It  gives  an  unsightly 
appearance  to  the  eye. 

Treatment.  —  With  a  sharp  knife  remove  the  tumor,  and  if 
necessary  the  eyeball  as  well,  and  touch  the  parts  with  caustic 
potash,  nitrate  of  silver,  or  the  hot  iron.  To  stop  the  bleeding, 
which  is  apt  to  be  very  profuse,  use'tincture  of  iron,  acetate  of 


330 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


lead,  or  the  hot  iron.  To  be  successful,  the  operation  must  be 
performed  as  soon  as  possible,  and  even  then  it  is  nearly  always 
useless.  The  bones  may  become  diseased  also.  In  such  cases, 
treat  the  same  as  that  indicated  for  caries.  It  is  very  essential 
that  all  diseased  structures  be  removed,  or  the  treatment  will  not 
be  successful. 


^-i^s^ 


Dr.  LeGeae's  Stock  Book.  881 

CHAPTER   XXVI. 
MEDICINES. 

It  is  very  necessary  that  every  stock  owner,  more  especially 
farmers  that  live  some  distance  from  town,  should  keep  a  few  of 
the  more  important  drugs  and  medicinal  preparations  on  hand 
for  cases  of  necessity  and  immediate  use.  Many  a  poor  animal 
is  ruined  or  dies  for  the  want  of  proper  medicines,  used  at  the 
time  the  injury  was  inflicted  or  the  disease  commences;  time 
saved  is  money  saved  in  treating  diseases  of  stock. 

MEASURING  MEDICINES. 

60  drops  make  1  teaspoonful. 

1  teaspoonful  makes  1  dram. 
4  drams  make  1  tablespoonful. 

2  tablespoonsful  make  1  ounce. 
16  ounces  make  1  pint. 

2  pints  make  1  quart. 
4  quarts  make  1  gallon. 

A  wineglass  will  hold  about  two  ounces;  and  an  ordinary  sized 
teacup  \vill  hold  about  4  or  5  ounces. 

Below  will  be  found  a  dose  table,  giving  the  average  size  doses 
of  the  more  common  drugs  used  in  treating  stock.  Colts  at  one 
month  old  take  about  one  twentieth  of  what  a  horse  does;  three 
months  old,  about  one  tenth;  six  months  old,  one  fifth;  one  year 
old,  one  third;  two  years  old,  one  half.  Medicines  given  to  suck- 
ling mares  transmit  the  effects  of  it  to  the  colt  through  the  milk. 


22 


332 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


Doses  for  the  Horse  of  Drugs  Commonly  Used. 


Name  of  drug. 

Action  and  uses, 

Dose. 

Antidote. 

Aconite,  tincture  of. 
Alcohol 

Febrifuge  and  sedative 

10  to  20  drops 
1  to  2  ounces 
H  to  1  ounce 

1  to  4  drams 

2  to  4  drams 
H  to  1  ounce 
2  to  5  grains.. 
2  to  4  drams.. 
V4  to  1  ounce 

1  to  4  drams.. 
1  to  2  drams.. 
1  to  4  drams.. 
10  to  30  drops 
1  pint 

Stimulant  and  antiseptic 

[pine,  ether. 

Aloes,  Barbadoes 

Alum  

Purgative  and  tonic 

Astringent 

Stimulant  and  antacid 

Milk  and  oils. 

Arnica 

Stimulant  and  alterative 

Tonic,  stimulant,  and  alterative.. 
Febrifuge 

Sesquioxide    o  f 
[iron 

Antifebrin 

Arsenic,     Fowler's 

Alterative  and  tonic 

solution  of. 
Belladonna.  Fl.  Ext. 

Camphor  (gum) 

Cannabis  Indica 

Carbolic  Acid   

Antispasmodic  and  anodyne 

Stimulant  and  anodyne 

Anodyne  and  antispasmodic 

Antiseptic  and  disinfectant 

Sulph.    of  soda 

Castor  Oil 

Laxative 

Leggs,  gruel. 

Calomel 

Purgative  and  alterative 

1  to  2  drams.. 

1  to  3  drams.. 

2  to  3  drams.. 
Vi  to  1  ounce 
H  to  1  ounce 

10  to  15  drops 
10  to  30  gr'ns 
H  to  1  ounce 

1  to  2  ounces 

2  to  3  drams  . 
Vi  to  1  ounce 
20  to  30  gr'ns 
Vz  to  1  dram .. 

1  to  2  pints... 
1  to  Wt  ozs... 

3  to  10  grains 

H  to  1  dram.. 
I  to  2  drams.. 

1  to  2  drams.. 
Vi  to  1  dram.. 

4  to  6  drams.. 
Vi  to  1  dram.. 
1  to  2  drams.. 

1  to  3  drams.. 

2  to  4  drams.. 
1  to  2  ounces 
1  to  2  ounces 
1  to  3  drams.. 
1  to  2  ounces 

1  dram  

Catechu  . 

Astringent 

Chloral  Hydrate 

Anodyne,  hypnotic,  anaesthetic... 
Stimulant,   antispasmodic,  and 

anodyne. 
Powerful  purgative 

Croton  Oil 

Opium. 

Digitalis  (leaves) 

Ergot 

Ether,  Sulphuric 

Sedative  and  diuretic 

Astringent 

Stimulant,  carminative,  and  an- 
tispasmodic. 

Ginger 

Carminative  and  stomachic 

Iodine 

Antiseptic,  alterative,  diuretic... 
Tonic  and  astringent 

Iron,  Sulphate  (cop- 
Linseed  Oil,  raw 

Laxative  and  purgative 

Anodyne,  antispasmodic,  and  as- 
tringent. 
Antispasmodic  and  anodyne 

Nerve  tonic 

Atropine,  strong 
coffee,  brandy, 
belladonna. 

Chloral  hydrate. 

Atropine,  bran- 
dy, belladonna. 

Nux  Vomica 

Anodyne  and  astringent 

Potassium,  Chl'rate 
Potassium,  Iodide... 

Diuretic,  alterative,  antiseptic... 
Alterative  and  diuretic 

Potassium,  Br'mide 

Nerve  sedative 

Quinine 

Febrifuge  and  tonic 

Saltpetre  

Diuretic,  alterative,  febrifuge 

Antacid  and  alterative  

Soda,  Bicarbonate... 

Soda,  Hyposulphate 

Antiseptic 

Sweet  Nitre 

Stimulant,  diuretic,  diaphoretic. 
Stimulant  and  diuretic 

Turpentine 

Tar,  Oil  of 

Antiseptic  and  expectorant 

Dr.  LeGear's  Colic 

Cure. 
Dr.  LeGear's  Con- 

Antispasmodic, anodyne,  astrin- 
gent, and  stimulant. 
Tonic,  diuretic,  and  alterative  ... 

Worm  destroyer 

dition  Powders. 
Dr.LeGear's  Worm 

Remedy. 

Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


333 


Doses  for  the  Cow  of  Drugs  Commonly  Used, 

Name  of  drug. 

Action  and  uses. 

Dose. 

Antidote. 

Aconite,  tincture  of. 
Alcohol 

Febrifuge  and  sedative ^ 

Stimulant  and  antiseptic 

20to30drops 

2  to  4  oimces 

3  to  [)  drams.. 
3  to  4  drams.. 
3  to  6  drams.. 
15to30drops 

1  to  2  pints... 

2  to  4  drams.. 

3  to  6  drams. 
I  to  2  ounces 
Vi  to  1  dram.. 
H  to  1  dram.. 
1  to  2  ounces 

1  to  2  lbs 

1  to  2  ounces 
H  to  1  ounce 
3  to  6  drams.. 
1  to  2  ounces 
1  to  2  drams.. 

AlcohoU    ether, 
[atropine. 

Ammonia,  Aqua 

Antifebrin 

Antacid  and  stimulant. .,..„.„ 

Febrifuge      

Belladonna,  Fl.Ext. 
Carbolic  Acid 

Anodyne  and  antispasmodie. 

Antiseptic 

Eggs,  grueI,oils. 

CastorOil  

Catechu        .      ... 

Astringent 

Antiseptic  and  deodorant 

AnaBSthetic  and  anodyne  

Chloroform  

Powerful  purgative „ 

Opium. 

Digitalis 

Heart  sedative  and  diuretic 

Astringent  and  ecbollc  

Epsom  Salts 

Purgative  and  febrifuge 

Stimulant  and  antispasmodic 

Purgative 

Ether,  Sulphuric 

Gentian             -. 

Tonic    .  . 

Ginger 

Carminative  and  stomachic 

Iodide  of  Potash 

Iron,  Sulphate  (cop- 
peras). 
Linseed  Oil 

Diuretic,  absorbent,  alterative.... 

Laxative  and  purgative 

1  to  2  quarts 
1  to  2  ounces 

5  to  lOgrains 

1  to  2  drams.. 

2  to  4dKHns.. 

2  to  4  drams.. 
4  to  6  drams.. 

1  to  2  drams. 

2  to  4  drams.. 

2  to  4  drams.. 

3  to  6  drams.. 
2  to  4  ounces 
1  to  4  ounces 
1  to  2  ounces 

1  to  2  ounces 

2  drams 

2  drams 

Laudanum. . ,  . 

Anodyne,  antispasmodic,  and  as- 
tringent. 

Anodyne  and  antispasmodic 

Nerve  tonic... 

Morphine         ..  . 

Nux  Vomica 

Opium 

Anodyne  and  astringent 

Atropine,  bran- 

Potassium, Chi' rate 
Potassium, Bromide 

Diuretic,  antiseptic,  alterative... 
Nerve  sedative 

dy,  belladonna. 

Quinine 

Febrifuge  and  tonic 

Saltpetre 

Diuretic  and  febrifuge 

Soda,  Bicarbonate.... 
Soda,  Hyposulphite 

Alterative  and  antacid 

Antiseptic 

Sweet  Nitre 

Diuretic,  stimulant,  diaphoretic. 
Laxative  and  alterative 

Sulphur  ... 

Turpentine 

Dr.  LeGear's  Colic 
Cure. 

Dr.  LeGear's  Con- 
dition Powders. 

Dr.LeGear's  Worm 

Diuretic  and  stimulant 

Anodyne,  antispasmodic,  stimu- 
lant, and  astringent. 
Tonic,  diuretic,  and  alterative 

Worm  destroyer   

Remedy. 

PART  III. 

SHEEP  DEPARTMENT. 


SHEEP  DEPARTMENT. 


In  this  department,  as  in  the  cattle  department,  we  will  not 
attempt  a  lengthy  discussion  of  the  various  breeds  of  sheep,  but 
will  give  the  more  common  diseases  that  the  sheepmen  of  Texas 
have  to  contend  with.  Texas  has  about  1,843,678  sheep  at  pres- 
ent, and  Western  Texas  is  one  of  the  best  sheep  districts  in 
America.  Owing  to  the  free  trade  that  was  in  force  during 
Cleveland's  administration  wool  dropped  down  to  such  low  prices 
that  most  of  the  sheepmen  had  to  quit  the  business  and  look  to 
some  other  business  for  a  livelihood.  This  of  course  decreased 
the  number  of  sheep  in  America  a  great  deal.  Since  a  tariff  has 
been  levied  on  wool,  the  prices  of  wool  and  mutton  have  nearly- 
doubled,  therefore  the  sheepmen  are  enjoying  good  times  again. 

Below  will  be  found  a  few  of  the  more  common  diseases  of 
sheep: 


[p.  337] 


388  Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

CHAPTER   XXVII. 
THE  DISEASES  OF  SHEEP. 

SCAB,  OR  SCABIES. 

Scab,  or  scabies,  is  a  very  common  disease  in  some  countries, 
causing  serious  loss  to  sheep  owners.  It  is  very  contagious,  and 
the  insects  which  cause  the  disease  may  remain  in  the  pasture  for 
years  and  then  cause  the  trouble.  Every  precaution  should  bo 
taken  to  keep  the  infection  out  of  the  flock. 

Causes. — This  disease  is  purely  of  a  local  nature,  and  due  to 
a  parasite.  This  parasite  or  insect  is  of  the  class  "dermato- 
dectes,"  which  simply  hold  on  to  and  prick  the  skin.  This  para- 
sitic insect  is  very  small,  and  does  to  a  certain  extent  burrow  be- 
neath the  outer  layer  (cuticle)  of  the  skin,  but  never  burrows 
very  deeply. 

Symptoms. — Scab  is  easily  detected,  as  the  symptoms  are 
very  plain.  The  animal  is  very  restless  and  uneasy,  and  will  rub 
and  scrach  itself  on  some  object  or  with  its  hoofs  until  the  wool 
begins  to  fall  ofl^  in  patches.  Examine  the  skin  and  it  will  be  found 
to  be  considerably  reddened  and  inflamed,  with  the  formation  of 
blisters  which  break  and  discharge-  a  watery  fluid  (serum).  These 
finally  dry  up  and  form  sores  or  scabs,  a  characteristic  sign  of  the 
disease.  The  whole  fleece  may  drop  off,  or  nearly  so,  and  leave 
the  poor  animal  a  sight  to  behold.  The  animal  loses  flesh  and 
spirits,  becomes  weak  and  debilitated,  etc. 

Treatment. — It  is  not  difficult  to  cure,  if  the  treatment  is 
thorough  and  of  the  proper  kind.  It  is  of  the  utmost  importance 
to  keep  all  animals  that  are  free  from  the  disease  away  from 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  339 

those  affected,  or  off  from  infected  pastures,  as  those  free  from 
the  disease  will  contract  it  from  those  that  have  it.  Also  the 
pens  should  be  thoroughly  disinfected. 

A  good  effective  remedy,  though  poisonous,  is  the  following: 

White  arsenic 5  pounds. 

Pearl  ash  5  pounds. 

Soft  soap  5  pounds. 

Sulphur   5  pounds. 

Boiling  water 20  gallons. 

Mix,  but  don't  inhale  the  fumes,  and  when  cold  add 
180  gallons  of  cold  water,  and  stir  until  well  mixed. 

This  mixture  must  be  put  in  a  tank  or  dipping  vat  prepared 
for  the  purpose  and  the  sheep  dipped  in  it.  Dip  the  sheep  in 
such  a  way,  back  foremost,  that  the  head  will  remain  out,  and 
leave  in  for  at  least  one  minute.  As  soon  as  the  sheep  is  brought 
out  of  the  bath,  its  wool  should  be  thoroughly  squeezed  to  rid  it 
of  all  the  liquid  preparation  possible  before  turning  into  a  clean 
yard  to  dry.  To  reach  every  part  not  touched  by  the  dip,  go 
over  the  heads  of  the  flock  with  the  following: 

Mercurial  ointment 1  pound. 

Oil  of  turpentine i  pint. 

Eosin  1  pound. 

Lard   3  pounds. 

Mix,  and  apply  to  all  parts  of  the  head  not  touched 
by  the  dip. 

A  tobacco  dip  as  the  following  is  a  very  good  preparation: 

Tobacco  leaves 20  pounds. 

Sulphur   ." 6  pounds. 

Pearl  ash   6  pounds. 

Soft  soap   6  pounds. 

Hot  water 90  gallons. 

Mix. 


340  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

In  preparing  the  above,  put  the  tobacco  in  the  water  and  boil, 
and  stir  in  the  other  ingredients  while  the  liquid  is  still  hot. 
In  this  dip  the  head  may  be  dipped  occasionally,  while  dipping 
the  rest  of  the  body.  The  sheep  may  remain  in  the  liquor,  as 
hot  as  can  be  borne,  four  or  five  minutes. 

A  dip  very  much  used  in  Australia,  where  immense  flocks  are 
kept,  is  the  following: 

Tobacco  leaves 10  pounds. 

Sulphur 10  pounds. 

Water  50  gallons. 

Boil  the  tobacco  in  the  water,  and  add  the  sulphur 
while  hot. 

THE    SCAB   LAW. 

The  following  is  the  new  scab  law  passed  by  the  Texas  Legis- 
lature, May  7,  1897: 

An  Act  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  scab  disease  among  sheep 
in  the  State  of  Texas,  and  to  prevent  the  spread  of  and  secure 
the  eradication  of  same,  and  providing  a  manner  of  examin- 
ing such  animals,  together  with  the  manner  of  taxing  and  col- 
lecting costs  therefor,  and  making  it  a  misdemeanor  to  vio- 
late the  provisions  of  this  act,  and  prescribing  penalties  for 
such  violation. 

Section  1.  Be  it  enacted  by  the  Legislature  of  the  State  of 
Texas:  That  from  and  after  the  passage  of  this  act,  it  shall  be 
unlawful  to  import  into  this  State,  or  to  move  from  one  county 
to  another,  or  to  move  from  their  accustomed  range  on  to  lands 
owned  or  leased  by  any  person,  without  permission  of  such  per- 
son, any  flock  of  sheep  in  which  one  or  more  such  animals  are 
infected  with  scab,  and  any  person  or  persons  violating  any  of 
the  provisions  of  this  section  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  mis- 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  341 

demeanor,  and  upon  conviction  thereof,  shall  be  fined  in  any 
sum  not  more  than  two  hundred  dollars  for  each  such  offense. 

Sec.  2.  Any  person  having  knowledge  or  notice  of  the  exist- 
ence of  scab  on  any  sheep  owned  or  in  charge  of  such  person, 
who  shall  fail  or  refuse  to  dip  in  some  preparation  known  to  be 
effectual  in  curing  scab,  all  flocks  of  sheep  in  which  one  or  more 
such  are  so  infected,  within  twenty  days  after  such  knowledge 
or  notice  has  been  received,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misde- 
meanor, and  upon  conviction  thereof  shall  be  fined  in  any  sum 
not  less  than  one  hundred  nor  more  than  two  hundred  dollars; 
provided,  that  every  successive  twenty  days  of  failure  or  refusal 
to  dip  such  sheep,  under  the  provisions  of  this  section,  shall  be 
considered  a  separate  offense. 

Sec.  3.  For  the  purpose  of  determining  the  existence  of  scab, 
under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  and  to  serve  notice  on  persons 
as  provided  in  section  2,  the  justice  of  the  peace  having  jurisdic- 
tion, upon  complaint  of  any  person  owning  or  having  charge  of 
sheep,  supported  by  affidavit  as  to  his  belief  that  a  flock  of  sheep 
within  such  jurisdiction  are  infected  with  scab,  .shall  forthwith 
issue  order  to  a  constable  or  some  peace  officer  of  his  county,  di- 
recting such  officer  to  summon  to  his  aid  two  persons  having 
knowledge  of  scab,  and  to  proceed  mth  such  persons  and  examine 
the  sheep  so  designated,  and  to  notify  in  writing  the  owner  or 
person  in  charge  of  said  sheep,  of  the  result  of  such  examination, 
and  to  return  to  the  court  of  issue  such  order,  showing  how  he 
has  executed  the  same. 

Sec.  4.  Any  person  refusing  to  permit  the  examination  pro- 
vided for  in  section  3  of  this  act,  or  to  place  the  sheep  in  pens 
for  such  purpose,  shall  be  deemed  guilty  of  a  misdemeanor,  and 
upon  conviction  thereof,  punished  by  fine  of  not  less  than  one 
hundred  nor  more  than  two  hundred  dollars. 

Sec.  5.  Upon  return  of  the  order  provided  for  in  section  3  of 
this  act,  the  justice  of  the  peace  shall,  if  it  states  said  sheep  are 


342  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

not  infect^'d,  or  that  they  have  been  dipped,  within  ten  days  next 
preceding  such  examination,  dismiss  such  cause.  But  if  such  order 
states  said  sheep  are  infected  with  scab  and  have  not  been  dipped 
within  the  ten  preceding  days,  said  justice  of  the  peace  shall 
issue  warrant  of  arrest  forthwith  against  the  owner  or  person  hav- 
ing said  sheep  in  charge,  and  proceed  as  in  other  misdemeanor 
cases;  provided,  should  defendant  show,  by  competent  testimony, 
that  such  infected  sheep  were  held  only  on  his  own  or  accus- 
tomed range,  and  that  he  had  dipped  all  flocks  so  infected,  as 
provided  in  this  act,  within  twenty  days  after  receiving  notice, 
or  within  ten  days  next  preceding  the  serving  of  such  notice,  he 
shall  upon  payment  of  all  accrued  costs  be  discharged. 

Sec.  6.  The  constable  or  other  peace  officer  and  the  person 
summoned  to  assist,  shall  receive  as  compensation  for  services 
performed  under  the  provisions  of  this  act,  and  for  attendance 
at  court  as  witnesses  in  such  cases,  the  sum  of  two  dollars  and 
fifty  cents  per  day  for  each  day  actually  and  necessarily  so  en- 
gaged, and  such  fees  shall  be  taxed  as  costs  against  the  owner 
of  such  sheep,  and  execution  shall  be  issued;  provided,  in  all 
cases  where  it  is  found  such  sheep  are  not  infected  or  have  been 
dipped  within  the  ten  days  next  preceding  the  examination  so 
made,  the  costs  and  fees  shall  be  taxed  against  the  person  who 
made  the  complaint,  and  execution  shall  so  issue. 

Sec.  7.  All  laws  and  parts  of  laws  in  conflict  with  the  pro- 
visions of  this  act  be  and  the  same  are  hereby  repealed. 

FOOT  ROT. 

Cause. — It  is  now  believed  to  be  caused  by  a  parasite,  and  the 
other  so-called  causes,  such  as  irritant  soils,  damp  pastures,  foul 
yards,  etc.,  are  believed  to  be  only  indirectly  concerned  in  caus- 
ing this  disease,  from  the  fact  that  they  probably  constitute  fav- 
orable grounds  for  the  parasites  to  harbor  in. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  343 

Symptoms. — Lameness  is  noticed,  and  at  the  top  of  the  cleft 
of  the  hoof  it  becomes  red,  moist,  warm  and  rough,  soon  followed 
by  a  discharge,  which  .soon  becomes  offensive  and  purulent,  and 
the  whole  foot  becomes  a  mass  of  corruption.  The  animal  loses 
its  appetite,  and  at  length  dies  of  exhaustion. 

Treatment. — Treatment  should  be  begun  early,  and  the  first 
thing  to  do  is  to  cut  away  all  diseased  parts,  after  which  the  af- 
fected part  may  be  touched  with  the  following  solution: 

Chloride  of  zinc 2  drams. 

Water 1  pint. 

Or, 

Butter  of  antimony 1  part. 

Compound  tincture  of  myrrh 1  part. 

Or,  the  following  may  be  found  very  useful: 

Sulphate  of  copper ^  pound. 

Acetate  of  copper J  pound. 

Lin.seed  oil   J  pint. 

Tar 1  pint. 

Solutions  of  carbolic  acid,  nitrate  of  silver,  oil  of  vitriol,  etc., 
may  be  found  very  useful  also. 

If  so  desired,  a  foot  bath  may  be  used  instead  of  the  above,  as 
follows: 

White  arsenic  1  pound. 

Sodium  carbonate '. . .     1  pound. 

Water 50  gallons. 

Or, 

Sulphate  of  copper 1  part. 

Water 50  parts. 


344  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

The  sheep  may  be  walked  through  a  trough  or  vat  containing 
either  of  the  above  solutions. 

The  sheep  should  be  kept  in  perfectly  dry  pens,  and  dry  up- 
land pastures. 

ROT,  OR  LIVER  FLUKE. 

This  condition  is  due  to  the  presence  of  a  parasite  (Distoma 
htpaticum),  or  common  liver  fluke.  These  flukes,  or  parasites, 
are  the  cause  of  the  disease,  and  have  a  peculiar  life-history. 
The  fluke  worm  lays  the  eggs  in  the  ducts  (vessels)  of  the  liver; 
these  ova,  or  eggs,  descend  into  the  bowels  and  pass  out  with 
the  feces;  after  which  they  gain  entrance  into  the  soft-bodied 
mollusks  found  in  stagnant  water.  The  sheep,  on  drinking  the 
water,  take  into  the  stomach  these  mollusks,  which  contain  the 
parasites  of  the  disease.  They  soon  gain  access  to  the  liver,  and 
when  developed  deposit  their  eggs,  to  go  the  same  round  of 
existence  again.  These  parasites,  when  full  grown,  vary  in  size 
from  one-half  to  one  inch  in  length,  and  may  be  two-thirds  of 
an  inch  wide. 

Symptoms. — The  animal  is  dull  and  inactive;  there  is  yellow- 
ness of  the  lining  membrane  of  the  eye,  best  se^n  when  the  eyelid 
ir  pushed  back;  the  abdomen  becomes  large  and  pendant  (pot- 
bellied), the  back  becomes  razor-like,  the  flanks  tucked  up, 
usually  with  dropsical  swellings  in  different  parts  of  the  body. 
The  breathing  becomes  quick  and  short,  and  the  animal  suffers 
from  diarrhoea  and  great  weakness,  followed  by  stupor  and 
death. 

Treatment. — Remove  the  sheep  to  a  high,  dry  pasture,  and 
give  them  water  to  drink  from  a  deep  well.  Feed  on  highly  nu- 
tritive food.    Prepare  and  give  the  following: 


Db.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  345 

Epsom  salts 2  ounces. 

Oil  of  turpentine 2  drams. 

Water  1  pint. 

Mix  the  salts  and  water  together,  add  th«.  turpentine, 
and  give  as  a  drench.  Repeat  every  other  day  until  three 
doses  have  been  taken;  then  prepare  the  following: 

Oatmeal 40  pounds. 

Powdered  gentian 2  pounds. 

Powdered  anise  seed 2  pounds. 

Common  salt 4  pounds. 

Sulphate  of  iron 1  pound. 

Mix.  Give  of  the  above  half  a  pint  to  each  sheep  once 
a  day;  wait  three  weeks,  and  repeat.  Or,  our  Condition 
Powders  may  be  given  twice  a  day  in  the  feed,  instead  of 
the  above  tonic. 

grtjb  in  the  head. 

This  dise^ase  is  one  of  the  most  serious  the  sheep  owner  has  to 
deal  with,  and  one  that  needs  close  attention  on  the  part  of  the 
farmer. 

Causes. — It  is  caused  by  the  egg  of  the  gadfly  (Oestrus  ovis) 
being  deposited  in  the  nostrils  of  the  sheep  during  the  summer 
months.  From  the  eggs  hatch  maggots,  which  find  their  way  up 
into  the  chambers  (sinuses)  of  the  head,  causing  much  pain. 
Each  larva  (grub)  is  supplied  with  a  pair  of  hooks  on  its  head, 
by  which  it  attaches  itself  to  the  lining  membrane,  of  the  cavity 
V.  here  it  is  lodged.  It  remains  there  nearly  a  year,  when  it  falls 
to  and  buries  itself  in  the  soft  ground,  and  in  from  thirty  to  forty 
days  it  hatches  out  into  a  gadfly. 


346  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Symptoms. — When  the  sheep  are  attacked  by  gadflies,  the  ani- 
mals will  crowd  together,  with  their  noses  to  the  ground,  stamp 
violently  at  times,  or  run  from  one  part  of  the  pasture  to  an- 
other. At  other  times  they  will  lie  down,  with  their  nostrils 
buried  in  the  dust,  etc.  When  the  grubs  get  up  into  the  head, 
and  begin  to  mature,  the  animal  soon  shows  signs  of  dullness, 
stands  or  lies  down  in  one  place  nearly  all  the  time,  and  notices 
bul  little.  The  appetite  is  gone,  the-  head  lowered  to  and  resting 
on  the  ground,  or  turned  to  one  side  (usually  the  side  affected), 
and  th-ere  is  a  discharge  from  the  nose.  If  the  animal  can  keep 
up  its  strength  until  the  grubs  are  dislodged,  or  come  away  of 
themselves,  recovery  may  take  place;  otherwise-,  death  usually 
ends  the  scene. 

Treatmsnt. — The  grubs  may  be  extracted  by  a  qualified  veter- 
inarian, but  scarcely  pays,  except  in  the  case  of  a  valuable  ani- 
mal. For  this  operation,  a  special  instrument,  called  a  trephine 
(see  Fig.  3),  must  be  used.  AV^ith  a  sharp  knife  make  an  incision 
thi'ough  the  skin  over  the  cavity  (sinus)  that  contains  the  grub, 
large  enough  to  let  the  trephine  down  upon  the  bone.  With  this 
instrument  a  piece  of  the  skull  can  be  removed,  after  which  the 
grubs  may  be  easily  taken  out  through  the  opening.  The  grubs 
should  all  be  removed,  the  opening  in  the  skin  stitched  and 
dressed  as  an  ordinary  wound.  The  grubs  may  often  be  dis- 
lodged, when  they  are  not  firmly  fixed,  by  injecting  up  the  nos- 
trils equal  parts  of  sweet  oil  and  turpentine,  but  care  must  be 
taken  not  to  strangle  the  sheep.  Another  means  is  to  cause  the 
animal  to  inhale  smoke  of  some  kind,  to  induce  sneezing,  which 
may  dislodge  them.  But  when  the  grubs  are  well  up,  and  firmly 
attached,  inhalations  of  smoke,  or  injections  of  liquid  prepara- 
tions, are  useless. 

Prevention. — The  preventative  mode  of  treatment  in  this  dis- 
ease is  of  the  utmost  importance.    Smear  tar  on  the  nose  of  each 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  347 

fcluiep,  around  the  nostrils,  which  is  distasteful  to  the  fly,  and 
death  to  the  egg.  Where  the  sheep  are  pasturing,  always  keep  a 
piece  of  ground  well  plowed  and  pulverized,  so  that  they  can  go 
at  any  time,  when  attacked  by  the  gadflies,  and  bury  their  noses 
in  tiie  soft  earth,  to  protect  themselves  from  the  insect. 

STUKDY,  OE  GID. 

This  disease  is  not  so  common  in  America  as  it  is  in  England, 
prc'bahly  from  the  fact  that  there  are  fewer  dogs  in  proportion  to 
the  population  here  than  there.  It  is  also  known  as  turn-sick, 
hydatid  of  the  brain,  etc. 

Cause. — This  dangerous  disease  is  caused  by  the  bladder  worm 
— a  form  of  tapeworm  preceding  the  true  or  sexually  perfect 
worm — which  is  developed  from  the  tapeworm  of  the  dog.  This 
parasite  (coenurus  cerebralis),  if  given  to  the  dog,  will  produce 
a  tapeworm,  ^^hich,  becoming  fully  developed,  leaves  the  dog  in 
pieces  (segments),  each  ripe  piece  containing  a  large  number  of 
eggs.  The  eggs  are  picked  up  by  the  .sheep  whilst  grazing  or 
drinking.  In  the  stomach  its  shell  is  dissolved,  setting  free  the 
minute  parasites,  which  soon  find  their  way  to  the  brain;  it  be- 
comes encysted  (enclosed  in  a  sac),  and  sets  up  a  considerable 
amount  of  irritation.  The  disease  is  apt  to  be  more  common 
where  dogs  and  sheep  mix.  The  hydatid  may  attack  any  part  of 
the  brain,  but  usually  locates  itself  in  the  upper  part  of  one  of 
the  great  lobes,  or  between  them. 

Symptoms. — The  affected  animal  is  found  off  by  itself,  walk- 
ing in  a  circular  manner,  with  the  head  carried  to  one  side,  if  the 
hydatid  is  located  in  one  of  the  lobes  of  the  brain;  when  it  is 
situated  between  them,  the  head  is  carried  in  an  elevated  posi- 
iion.  If  the  animal  turns  to  the  right,  the  hydatid  will  usually 
23 


348  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

be  found  in  the  right,  lobe;  if  to  the  left,  in  the  left  lobe.  If 
deeply  situated  in  the  middle  of  the  brain,  the  animal  will  be 
apt  to  lower  the  head,  instead  of  elevating  it,  as  in  the  upper  part. 
Sometimes  the  entire  brain  may  become  affected  before  death 
takes  place. 

Treatment. — About  all  that  can  be  done  is  to  make  an  opening 
down  upon  the  hydatids  (if  they  can  be  found)  and  draw  them 
out  in  the  water  they  are  in,  with,  a  syringe;  or,  inject  into  the 
cyst  containing  the  hydatid  one-half  teaspoonful  of  the  follow- 
ing solution: 

Iodine 1  grain. 

Iodide  of  potash 5  grains. 

Water 1  ounce. 

Mix. 


PART  IV. 

SWINE  DEPARTMENT. 


SWINE  DEPARTMENT. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 
THE  DISEASES  OF  SWINE. 

HOG  CHOLERA,  AND  SWINE  PLAGUE. 

These-  are  two  separate  diseases,  but  resemble  each  other  very 
closely  in  their  symptoms,  and  it  requires  an  examination  of  the 
internal  organs  after  death  to  clearly  distinguish  between  them. 
They  are  not  only  similar  in  symptoms,  but  in  their  effect  upon 
the  bodies  of  diseased  animals.  It  is  not  .so  important  to  the 
stock  raiser  to  know  whether  his  hogs  are  dying  of  hog  cholera 
Of  swine  plague,  as  the  agents  which  destroy  the  germs  that 
cause  the  disease  in  the  one  will  generally  destroy  them  in  the 
other.  The  ditficulty  of  distinguishing  betw-een  the  two  diseases 
is,  therefore,  not  a  matter  of  much  importance  in  controlling 
them.  It  is  important,  though,  to  know  that  one  or  the  other  of 
these  maladies  is  present  among  the  herd,  because  such  knowl- 
edge will  lead  us  to  adopt  proper  treatment  for  such  infectious 
diseases. 

The  annual  losses  from  hog  cholera  in  the-  United  States  alone 
must  be  very  heavy,  although  all  diseases  of  swine  are  called 
cholera  by  most  people,  yet  the  researches  of  the  Bureau  of  Ani- 
mal Industry  have  shown  that  there  is  another  disease,  known  as 
swine  plague,  which  is  almost  as  common  and  fatal  as  hog  chol- 
era. Hog  cholera  and  swine  plague  affect  hogs  in  all  parts  of 
the  United  States,  and  cause  heavy  lasses,  estimated  to  reach 
from  $10,000,000  to  $25,000,000  annually. 

Causes. — Both  hog  cholera  and  swine  plague  are  caused  by 
bacteria  (vegetable  parasites),  which  may  be-  easily  identified  by 


352  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

persons  accustomed  to  such  researches.  The  hog  cholera  gemxs 
are  slightly  larger  than  those  of  swine  plague.  They  are  pro- 
vided with  long,  thread-like  appendages,  which  enable  them  to 
move  rapidly  in  liquids,  while  the  swine  plague  germs  have  no 
such  organs,  and  are  unable  to  move  in  like  manner. 

Both  diseases  are  produced  by  injecting  cultures  (growths)  of 
their  respective  germs  directly  into  the  blood  vessels. 

From  results  of  experiments  with  these  two  diseases,  it  has 
Ix'en  found  that  the  germs  of  hog  cholera  find  their  way  into  the 
bodies  of  swine  mainly  with  the  food  and  drink,  and  with  the  air; 
while  those  of  swine  plague  are  taken  almost  entirely  with  the 
air,  or,  in  other  words,  they  gain  entrance  through  the  lungs  in 
nearly  every  case. 

Hog  cholera  germs  are  very  hardy  and  vigorous,  while  those 
of  swine  plague  are  very  delicate  and  easily  destroyed.  Hog 
cholera  germs  are  able  to  multiply  and  live  for  a  long  time  in  the 
water  of  ponds  and  streams;  they  may  live  in  the  soil  for  at  least 
three  months,  and  amongst  straw  and  litter  for  a  much  longer 
time;  they  withstand  drying  in  a  remarkable  manner.  Swnne 
plague  germs,  on  the  contrary,  soon  perish  in  water  or  by  drying; 
the  temperature  for  their  growth  must  be  more  constant,  and 
every  condition  of  life  more  favorable,  than  is  required  for  the 
hog  cholera  germs. 

Symptoms. — In  the  most  severe  forms  of  the  disease  the  ani- 
mals die  very  suddenly,  either  before  sickness  has  been  observed 
or  after  they  have  been  ill  but  a  few  hours.  Such  cases  are 
usually  seen  at  the  beginning  of  an  outbreak.  In  the  majority 
of  cases  the  progress  of  the  malady  is  slower,  and,  fortunately, 
giving  an  opportunity  to  observe  the  symptoms.  There  are  no- 
ticed signs  of  fever,  shivering,  unwillingness  to  move,  loss  of 
appetite  more  or  less,  elevation  of  temperature,  which  may  reach 
106  to  107  degrees  Fahrenheit;  the  animals  appear  stupid  and 
dull,  and  have  a  tendency  to  hide  in  the  litter  or  bedding  and 
remain  covered  by  it.    The  bowels  may  be  natural  at  first,  but 


De.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book.  353 

later  there  is  generally  a  liquid  and  fetid  (bad  smelling)  diar- 
rhoea, and  persisting  to  the  end.  At  first  the  eyes  are  congested 
and  watery,  but  soon  the  secretion  thickens,  becomes  yellowish, 
collects  in  the  angles  and  sticks  the  lids  together.  The  breath- 
ing is  quicker  than  usual,  acompanied  by  a  cough,  which,  how- 
ever, is  not  very  frequent,  and  generally  heard  when  the  animals 
are  driven  from  their  bed.  The  skin  may  be  congested  and  red 
on  different  parts  of  the  body,  varying  from  a  pinkish  red  to  a 
dark  red  or  purple.  Sometimes  there  is  an  eruption,  which 
leaves  crusts  or  scabs  of  various  sizes  over  the  skin.  There  is  a 
rapid  loss  of  flesh,  the  animal  grows  weak,  stands  with  arched 
back  and  the  belly  drawn  up,  and  walks  with  a  tottering,  uncer- 
tain gait.  There  is  less  and  less  inclination  or  ability  to  move, 
and  the  weakness  and  exhaustion  increase  until  death  takes 
place.  The  course  of  these  diseases  vary  from  one  or  two  days 
to  two  or  three  weeks. 

Diagnosis. — When  a  disease  breaks  out  among  swine  it  is  very 
important  to  know  what  it  is.  If  several  animals  show  symptoms 
similar  to  those  already  given,  and  the  same  disease  has  been 
affecting  the  hogs,  on  neighboring  farms,  we  may  be  safe  in  say- 
ing that  it  is  one  or  both  of  the  diseases  in  question,  since  no 
other  such  disease  has  been  recognized  in  this  country. 

In  anthrax  districts  there  may  be  occasional  outbreaks  of  the 
disease,  in  which  there  is  great  inflammation  and  swelling  of 
the  tongue,  or  of  the  throat,  or  simply  a  fever  with  no  visible 
swellings.  If  the  disease  is  anthrax,  other  animals,  such  as  horses, 
cattle  and  sheep,  will  also  be  affected. 

The  carcasses  should  be  examined  after  death,  and  if  project- 
ing, button-like  ulcers  are  found  in  the  large  bowels,  we  know 
that  hog  cholera  is  present.  It  must  be  remembered,  however, 
that  these  ulcers  are  not  found  in  the  most  acute  cases,  but  only 
in  the  sub-acute  and  chronic,  where  life  is  prolonged  a  sufficient 
time  for  them  to  form.  If  there  is  inflammation  of  the  lungs,  and 


354  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

particularly  if  cheese-like  masses  are  found  in  these  organs,  the 
disease  is  probably  swine  plague. 

Small  blood  spots  in  the  tissues  or  scattered  over  the  internal 
organs  indicate  hog  cholera,  while  inflammation  of  tlie  serous 
mtmbranes  indicates  swine  plague. 

The  germs  of  hog  cholera  collect  or  grow  in  chim]).s  in  tiie 
blood  vessels,  which  leads  to  a  plugging  of  the  smaller  ones,  with 
frequent  rupture  and  escape  of  blood.  This  causes  red  spots  to 
form  where  the  blood  leaves  the  vessels  and  collects  in  the  solid 
tissues.  In  swine  plague  the  bacteria  are  evenly  diffused  through 
the  blood,  never  form  plugs,  and,  therefore,  bleeding  from  this 
cause  is  not  seen. 

In  hog  cholera  the  first  effect  of  the  disease  is  believed  to  be 
upon  the  bowels,  with  secondary  invasion  of  the  lungs;  in  swine 
plague  it  is  the  reverse  of  this. 

Notwithstanding  the  difference  in  typical  cases  of  the  two  dis- 
eases, there  are  many  outbreaks  where  it  is  impossible  to  distin- 
guish betwen  them,  as  both  diseases  may  be  affecting  the  same 
animal  at  the  same  time,  or  the  changes  may  somewhat  resemble 
both  diseases.  In  such  cases  a  diagnosis  can  be  made  only  by 
microscopic  examination  and  cultivation  of  the  germs. 

Prognosis. — The  result  of  an  outbreak  of  this  malady  is  im- 
portant to  know,  but  difficult  to  state,  as  the  losses  will  depend 
partly  upon  the  susceptibility  of  the  hogs  to  the  disease  and 
partly  to  the  ^drulence  of  the  contagion  in  the  particular  out- 
break. If  the  animals  are  very  susceptible  and  the  conla.  ion  very 
virulent,  the  loss  even  in  large  herds  may  reach  90  to  95,  or  even 
100  per  cent  in  those  cases  where  the  disease  is  allowed  to  run  its 
course.  In  milder  outbreaks,  or  with  the  animals  more  capable  of 
resisting  the  contagion,  the  losses  vary  from  20  to  60  per  cent. 
More  animals  recover  toward  the  end  of  an  outbreak  than  at  the 
beginning.    A  portion  of  those  recovering  will  fatten,  but  otlicrs 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  355 

remain  lean,  stunted  in  their  growth,  or  never  become  really 
healthy  animals. 

Treatment. — Like  all  diseases  of  this  class,  preventive  treat- 
ment is  far  cheaper  and  in  every  way  more  satisfactory  than 
medical  treatment.  Our  great  aim  should  be,  therefore,  to  pre- 
vent the  spread  of  infectious  diseases.  Every  swine  raiser  should 
use  the  utmost  precautions  to  prevent  the  introduction  of  these 
plagues  into  his  herd.  As  soon  as  the  hogs  are  found  to  be  af- 
fected with  hog  cholera  or  swine  plague,  the  lot  or  pens  where 
they  have  been  confined  should  be  disinfected  by  dusting  plenti- 
fully with  dry,  air  slacked  lime,  or  by  sprinkling  with  a  5  per 
cent  solution  of  crude  carbolic  acid.  The  animals  should  then 
all  be  moved  into  new  quarters.  If  possible,  the  sick  and  appa- 
rently well  should  be  separated  before  they  are  moved  and  put 
into  different  lots.  This  is  not  essential,  but  an  aid  to  the  treat- 
ment. Keep  them  in  dry  lots  or  pens  where  there  is  no  mud,  and 
above  all  no  stagnant  water.  It  is  also  advisable  to  keep  these 
lots  disinfected  with  carbolic  acid  or  air  slacked  lime. 

The  medical  treatment  must  be  begun  as  soon  as  possible,  and 
the  following  formula  will  be  found  as  good  as  any: 

Wood  charcoal    1  pound. 

Sulphur   1  pound. 

Sodium  chloride  2  pounds. 

Sodium  bicarbonate   2  pounds. 

Sodium  hyposulphite  2  pounds. 

Sodium  sulphate 1  pound. 

Black  antimony 1  pound. 

Mix. 

These  ingredients  should  be  completely  pulverized  and  thor- 
oughly mixed.  The  dose  of  this  mixture  for  a  200-pound  hog 
is  a  large  tablespoonful  given  once  a  day.    For  feed,  corn  alone 


356  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

is  not  sufficient,  but  they  should  have  at  least  once  a  day  soft 
feed,  as  bran  and  middlings,  or  middlings  and  com  meal,  or 
ground  oats  and  corn  mixed,  and  then  stirring  into  this  the 
proper  quantity  of  medicine.  Animals  that  are  very  sick  and 
that  will  not  come  to  feed  should  be  drenched  with  the  medicine 
shaken  up  with  water.  Great  care  should  be  exercised  in  drench- 
ing hogs  or  they  will  be  suffocated.  Do  not  put  the  hog  on  its 
back  to  drench  it,  but  pull  the  cheek  away  from  the  teeth  so  a& 
to  form  a  pouch,  into  which  the  medicine  may  be  slowly  poured. 
From  this  pouch  in  the  cheek  the  medicine  will  flow  into  the 
mouth,  and  as  soon  as  the  hog  finds  out  what  it  is  it  will  stop 
squealing  and  swallow. 

This  medicine  may  also  be  employed  to  prevent  an  outbreak  of 
the  disease,  and  for  such  purpose  should  be  put  into  the  feed  of 
the  whole  herd.  See  that  each  animal  gets  its  proper  share. 
Give  this  medicine  a  fair  trial,  and  it  will  cure  most  of  the  ani- 
mals that  are  sick  and  will  stop  the  progress  of  the  disease  in  the 
herd.  It  is  an  excellent  appetizer  and  stimulant  of  the  processes 
of  digestion  and  assimiliation,  and  when  given  to  unthrifty  hogs 
it  increases  the  appetite,  causes  them  to  take  on  flesh  and  assume^ 
a  thrifty  appearance. 

TRICHINOSIS— TRICHINA. 

Perhaps  no  other  parasite  has  attracted  so  much  attention  as 
the  Trichina  Spiralis,  which  lives  rolled  up  in  flesh;  it  is  very 
small,  nearly  microscopic,  varying  from  one-eighteenth  to  one- 
sixth  of  an  inch  in  length.  Trichina  may  be  found  in  all 
animals,  but  usually  in  man,  the  hog,  and  the  rat.  If  any  of  the 
flesh  containing  trichinae  is  eat^n,  the  parasites  are  set  free  dur- 
ing the  process  of  digestion.  Their  growth  is  extremely  rapid, 
and  each  female  lays  an  immense  number  of  eggs.  From  each 
egg  the-  little  wonn  is  hatched,  which  bores  through  the  walls  of 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  357 

the  stomach,  or  of  the  bowels,  and  buries  itself  in  the  flesh, 
where  it  lies  hidden  until  it  is  eaten  and  introduced  into  another 
stomach. 

Man  obtains  this  disease-  through  eating  of  the  flesh  of  swine. 
The  trichinae  are  not  always  destroyed  by  the  ordinary  methods 
of  roasting,  cooking,  pickling,  and  smoking.  Pork  should  al- 
ways be  thoroughly  cooked,  as  in  this  way  the  parasites  will  be 
destroyed;  but  there  is  always  danger  in  eating  partially  cooked 
or  raw  pork  and  sausage.  The  use  of  the  microscope  is  the  surest 
and  most  reliable  preventive  against  all  danger.  It  appears 
that  the  heart,  liver,  kidneys,  brain  and  fat  of  the  pig  are  sel- 
dom, if  ever,  afl'ected  with  trichinae.  As  a  general  thing,  swine 
obtain  trichina  from  rats,  to  which  latter  man,  as  the  natural 
bearer,  conveys  them. 

Symptoms.  —  In  man  there  is  swelling  and  soreness  of  the 
muscles  affected;  great  pain,  emaciation  and  exhaustion;  it  is 
often  mistaken  for  rheumatism.  In  the  lower  animals  the 
symptoms  are  the  same,  but  not  so  well  marked;  there  is  loss  of 
appetite,  the  muscles  are  sore,  stiffness  in  the  hind  quarters,  and 
the  animal  is  not  inclined  to  move.  If  those  affected  live  through 
the  six  weeks  (the  time  it  takes  the  little  worm  to  become 
lodged  in  the  muscle,  after  being  set  free  from  the  egg  in  the 
stomach)  they  will  recover. 

Treatment. — Not  much  can  be  done.  During  the  six  weeks,, 
stimulants,  such  as  alcohol,  in  tablespoonful  doses,  may  be  given 
three  times  a  day  in  grael,  and  a  teaspoonful  of  sulphur  in  the 
food  morning  and  night.  In  the  first  stages  of  the  disease,  give 
our  Worm  Remedy  in  the  feed  night  and  morning,  to  rid  th*c 
bovrels  of  the  worms  before  they  find  their  way  into  the  mus- 
cular system. 


358  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


MEASLES. 

Measles  in  swine  is  a  different  disease-  entirely  to  that  called 
measles  in  man. 

Causes. — ^In  swine,  measles  are  caused  by  a  parasite  (the  blad- 
der worm)  from  eating  the  eggs  of  the  tapeworm  of  man  (taenia 
solium)  in  its  food;  dogs  also  carry  and  void  the  eggs  of  the  tape- 
wc-rm.  and  hence  care  should  be  taken  that  swine  do  not  eat 
their  excrement.  If  the  flesh  of  measly  pork  is  not  thoroughly 
cooked  before  being  eaten  by  man^  he  is  sure  to  be  affected  by 
tapeworm.  Since  there  is  always  danger  that  some  of  the  cysts 
may  escape  death  in  cooking,  it  is  never  safe  to  eat  measly  pork. 

This  hydatid,  or  bladder  worm  (cysticercus  cellulosa),  is  what 
forms  measles  in  pigs;  it  becomes  encysted  in  the  muscles,  brain, 
liver,  lining  membranes,  etc. 

Symptoms. — The  symptoms  of  the  disease  are  a  cough,  run- 
ning from  the  eyes,  discharge  from  the  nose,  and  weakness  of 
the  hind  quarters,  with  general  debility.  The  cysts,  some  of 
which  are  about  the  size  of  a  grain  of  barley,  may  be  seen  scat- 
tered through  the  muscles  and  other  tissues  of  the  pig.  Their 
presence  may  sometimes  be  detected  in  the  eye  or  under  the 
tongue.  When  once  encysted,  further  annoyance  to  the  animal 
is  stopped. 

Treatment. — But  little  can  be  done  for  this  disease.  If  reeog- 
nized  at  the  beginning  of  an  attack,  the  following  powders  might 
pass  the  eggs  from  the  bowels: 

Sulphur 4  drams. 

Saltpetre J  dram. 

Mix,  and  give  as  one  powder  every  day  for  two  weeks. 


Db.  LeGeab's  Stock  Book.  359 

Swine  should  never  be  allowed  to  feed  upon  human  excre- 
ment, nor  pastured  on  land  manured  with  the  same. 

Some  prefer  turpentine  in  the  treatment  of  measles.  Two 
teaspoonsful  may  be  given  in  swill  if  the  hog  can  swallow;  if  he 
can  not  swallow,  swab  out  his  throat  with  equal  parts  of  turpen- 
tine and  oil. 


PART  V. 

DOG  DEPARTMENT. 


IMPORTED  JOE   FLOCKMASTER. 


DOG   DEPARTMENT. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 

^■ 

THE  DISEASES  OF  DOGS. 

DOG  DISTEMPER. 

This  a  very  common  affection  of  the  canine  race,  and  it  is 
often  very  fatal,  especially  among  the  finer  breeds,  where  there 
has  been  close  in-and-in  breeding.  It  is  usually  seen  in  puppies 
under  one  year  old,  although  age  is  no  preventive.  Distemper 
is  a  specific  fever,  and  very  contagious  and  wide-spread  in  its 
prevalence.  It  is  of  a  catarrhal  nature,  usually  affecting  the 
mucous  membranes  of  the  head  and  digestive  tract.  Distemper 
usually  runs  a  definite  course,  and  generally  terminates  favorably 
when  not  accompanied  by  other  diseases,  but  when  complicated 
it  is  not  very  satisfactory  to  treat.  Frequently  dogs  pass  through 
life  without  contracting  the  disease,  and  one  attack  does  not 
render  the  animal  proof  against  a  second  one.  The  period  of  in- 
cubation (exposure)  is  from  four  days  to  three  weeks,  and  that  of 
duration  from  ten  days  to  two  or  three  months. 

Causes. — That  dog  distemper  is  caused  by  a  germ  is  quite  cer- 
tain, although  this  specific  microbe  (germ)  is  not  as  yet  very  well 
understood.  The  virus  (poison)  of  the  disease  has  great  vitality, 
and  can  be  communicated  from  one  dog  to  another  by  immedi- 
ate contact  or  through  the  air,  or  from  a  kennel  in  which  the  dis- 
eased dog  has  been  kept.    We  are  satisfied  it  is  due  to  a  specific 

24  fp.  363J 


364  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

virus,  although  the  surroundings  have  a  great  deal  to  do  with  it, 
*uch  as  improperly  ventilated,  damp  kennels,  etc.,  or  improper 
feeding,  especially  that  of  a  meat  diet.  Spring  and  fall  are  the 
most  common  seasons  of  the  disease,  and,  as  the  annual  bench 
shows  are  held  then,  we  have  more  distemper  than  at  other  sea- 
sons of  the  year. 

Symptoms.  —  The  principal  symptoms  in  an  uncomplicated 
case  are  catarrhal  discharges  from  the  eyes  and  nose,  tliin  and 
watery  at  first,  finally  becoming  muco-purulent;  high  fever,  rapid 
pulse,  sneezing,  dry  hot  nose,  dullness,  loss  of  appetite,  etc. 
Complications  usually  accompany  the  disease,  the  most  common 
ones  being  those  of  the  respiratory  organs,  such  as  congestion, 
broncho-pneumonia,  etc.;  those  of  the  digestive  organs,  such  as 
gastritis,  jaundice,  enteritis,  etc.;  and  those  of  the  cerebro-spinal 
system,  such  as  mengengitis,  myelitis  and  chorea.  There  is  a 
hard  dry  cough;  bowels  may  be  constipated,  but  diarrhoea  is 
usually  present,  the  discharge  being  very  offensive.  When  skin 
eruptions  occur,  they  are  usually  seen  on  the  belly. 

Treatment. — There  is  no  specific  for  distemper  in  dogs  any 
more  than  there  is  in  the  horse.  Good  nursing  is  all  important. 
Make  the  patient  as  comfortable  as  possible  by  placing  him  in  a 
warm  place,  free  from  draughts  of  cold  air,  and  feed  him  on  nu- 
tritious food,  such  as  eggs  and  milk  beaten  up  together,  beef  tea, 
mutton  broths,  etc.  Bulky  food  of  any  kind  should  be  avoided. 
If  the  patient  will  not  eat  he  should  be  fed  with  a  spoon.  The 
importance  of  pure  air  can  not  be  over  estimated,  but  cold  air 
must  be  avoided.  It  is  advisable  to  disinfect  the  kennel,  or 
»\'here  the  patient  is  kept,  with  a  preparation  of  carbolic  acid  or 
lime.  If  constipation  is  present,  give  injection.^  per  rectum  of 
warm  soapsuds,  oil,  or  glycerine;  either  will  be  found  very  use- 
ful in  such  cases.    If  a  physic  is  necessary,  give  the  following: 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  365 

Buckthorn  syrup 4  drams. 

Castor  oil 2  drams. 

Mix,  and  give  at  once  with  a  large  spoon. 

If  there  is  still  a  tendency  to  constipation,  the  bowels  may  be 
kept  regular  on  a  diet  of  liver,  oatmeal,  etc.;  also  continue  the 
injections  per  rectum. 

To  reduce  the  high  fever,  from  5  to  8  grains  of  quinine  may 
be  given  in  a  capsule  at  once,  and  follow  up  with  the  following 
in  case  of  lung  trouble: 

Quinine  sulphate   2  grains. 

Muriate  ammmonia   2  grains. 

Mix,  and  give  in  a  capsule  three  times  a  day. 

A  constant  supply  of  pure  drinking  water  is  very  essential,  to 
which  add  two  teaspoonsful  of  the  chlorate  of  potash  to  every 
quart  of  water. 

In  case  of  irritability  of  the  stomach  and  bowels,  and  the  ten- 
dency to  vomiting,  milk  and  limewater,  beef  tea,  etc.,  are  indi- 
cated; or  give  subnitrate  of  bismuth  in  5-grain  doses  four  times 
a  day  in  case  of  persistent  vomiting. 

If  diarrhoea  is  present  it  may  be  relieved  by  teaspoonful  doses 
of  paregoric  combined  with  twice  that  quantity  of  prepared 
chalk  and  given  as  needed. 

The  discharge  from  the  eyes  and  nose  should  be  washed  off 
every  day  with  clean  borax  water,  and  oftener  if  necessary. 

All  changes  in  diet  should  be  made  cautiously.  In  convales- 
cence, tonics,  such  as  cod  liver  oil,  will  be  found  especially  valu- 
able. Other  diseases  setting  in  should  be  treated  according  ho 
the  nature  of  the  complication. 

The  following  is  a  simple  but  a  good  remedy  in  most  cases  of 
distemper: 


366  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Tincture  of  iron 1  ounce. 

Tincture  of  aconite |  dram. 

Whiskey   15  ounces. 

Mix,  and  give  one  teaspoonful  three  times  per  day. 

Continue  this  as  long  the  the  fever  and  hard  breathing  lasts. 

ECZEMA  m  DOGS. 

Eczema  is  a  non-contagious  disease  of  the  skin,  characterized 
by  formation  of  scabs  with  more  or  less  irritation  and  itchiness. 
The  skin  becomes  reddened,  moist,  and  swollen,  and  the  disease 
has  a  tendency  to  spread  over  the  body. 

Causes.  —  Eczema  may  be  caused  from  any  irritation  of  the 
skin,  as  appl3dng  caustic  medicines,  scratches,  etc.,  but  comes 
more  frequently  from  indigestion,  injudicious  feeding,  want  of 
exercise,  and  bad  blood.  P^czema  is  not  contagious,  but  in  cer- 
tain stages  it  may  be  transmitted  to  another  dog  by  sleeping  to- 
gether for  some  time. 

Symptoms. — There  will  be  noticed  great  itchiness  and  a  scurii- 
ness  and  scabby  condition  of  the  skin,  with  falling  out  of  the 
hair.  Continuous  scratching  may  form  thickened  rough  por- 
tions of  the  skin  devoid  of  hair.  In  some  cases  the  skin  becomes 
very  much  reddened  and  inflamed  and  causes  the  animal  a  great 
deal  of  discomfort. 

Treatment. — Great  cleanliness  is  very  essential  in  the  treat- 
ment of  eczema.  Give  the  dog  a  clean  bed  to  sleep  on,  and  keep 
his  kennel  as  clean  as  possible.  Make  a  complete  change  in  the 
food.  If  the  animal  is  fat,  reduce  the  food  and  give  a  light,  cool- 
ing diet.    If  the  animal  is  thin  in  flesh,  give  a  good  nutritious 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  367 

diet.  In  some  cases  it  is  advisable  to  clip  the  hair  all  off  short 
so  as  to  be  able  to  apply  the  external  applications  more  easily 
and  more  effectually.  Wash  all  affected  parts  thoroughly  every 
morning  with  cold  water  and  carbolic  soap.  After  washing,  dry 
off  the  skin  and  apply  the  following  ointment: 

Oxide  of  zinc  1  ounce. 

Oil  of  tar  1  ounce. 

Flour  of  sulphur 1  ounce. 

Vaseline   4  ounces. 

Mix. 

Give  internally  5  drops  of  Fowler^s  solution  of  arsenic  morn- 
ing and  evening.     The  following  may  also  be  tried: 

Creolin 1  ounce. 

Water 4  ounces. 

Mix,  and  apply  every  morning  after  washing. 

Some  cases  of  eczema  will  be  found  very  difficult  to  cure,  but 
patience  and  continued  treatment  will  be  rewarded  with  success. 

MANGE-*^ITCH. 

Mange  is  a  contagious  disease  of  the  skin,  due  to  the  presence 
of  insects  which  burrow  into  the  skin  and  cause  irritation,  and 
in  some  cases  severe  inflammation  of  the  skin. 

Causes. — The  disease  is  caused  by  the  mange  insect,  which 
gains  entrance  into  the  skin,  multiplies  rapidly,  and  spreads 
over  various  parts  of  the  body.  Although  the  insects  (mites) 
must  be  present  to  produce  the  disease,  filth  and  unclean  beds, 
kennels,  etc.,  are  important  factors  in  causing  the  disease.    One 


868  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

dog  in  a  kennel  affected  with  mange  will  soon  infect  all  the 
others. 

Symptoms. — In  certain  stages  mange  is  very  hard  to  detect 
from  eczema  without  a  microscopical  examination.  There  is  in- 
tense itching,  falling  out  of  the  hair,  rough,  scabby,  scaly  skin, 
etc.  When  the  insects  burrow  into  the  skin  they  cause  a  pimple 
or  pustule,  and  on  being  scratched  by  the  dog  the  pustule  opens 
up  and  a  small  quantity  of  matter  with  the  insect  runs  out.  Ec- 
zema more  commonly  occurs  in  poor,  debilitated  dogs,  while 
mange  has  no  preference.  The  disease  may  attack  any  part  of 
the  body,  but  more  commonly  the  head  is  first  affected.  In  some 
cases  the  hair  falls  out  and  the  animal  emits  a  very  offensive 
odor.  The  appetite  is  rarely  lessened.  As  the  disease  progresses, 
loss  of  weight,  debility,  and  impoverishment  of  the  general  sys- 
tem results. 

Treatment. — The  bedding  of  the  infected  animal  should  be 
destroyed  and  the  animal  removed  from  all  healthy  ones.  Wash 
the  kennel,  woodwork,  etc.,  where  the  dog  sleeps,  with  hot  white- 
wash, into  which  put  1  ounce  of  pure  carbolic  acid  to  every  gal- 
lon of  whitewash.  Wash  the  infected  animal  thoroughly  with 
carbolic  soap  and  water,  and  apply  either  of  the  following  lo- 
tions once  a  day  for  six  or  eight  days: 

Creolin 4  drams. 

Methylated  spirits   4  drams. 

Water  3  ounces. 

Mix. 

Or, 

Trikresol   30  drops. 

Water   fi  ounces. 

Mix. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  369 

Or, 

Sulphur   2  parts. 

Carbonate  of  ])otash 1  part. 

Oil  of  tar 1  part. 

Benzine 2  parts. 

Lard  or  oil 10  parts. 

Mix,  and  apply  to  all  affected  parts. 

Or, 

Iodide  of  sulphur 1  part. 

Glycerine   8  parts. 

Mix,  and  apply  as  above. 

Long  hair  must  be  closely  clipped  or  shaved;  the  affected  parti? 
freely  nibbed  with  soapsuds,  allowed  to  remain  on  for  twenty 
minutes  or  half  an  hour;  crusts  and  scales  are  thus  softened  and 
removed  by  subsequent  thorough  scrubbing  with  warm  water. 
As  mange  is  a  local  affection,  there  is  very  little  use  in  giving 
internal  treatment. 

SPAYING  BITCHES. 

• 

This  is  an  operation  that  is  being  quite  extensively  practiced 
among  dog  fanciers.  If  you  have  a  bitch  that  you  don't  wish  to 
breed  from,  you  can  prevent  the  unpleasantness  and  trouble  of 
having  her  coming  in  heat  (rutting),  by  having  her  spayed.  A 
bitch  can  be  spayed  any  time  in  suitable  weather,  except  when 
they  are  in  heat  or  with  pup,  after  they  are  six  months  old.  The 
operation  can  be  performed  in  the  side  or  in  the  centre  of  the 
belly.  We  prefer  the  last-named  place  of  operating.  A  bitch 
should  not  be  too  fat,  as  it  makes  it  much  harder  for  the  oper- 
ator and  more  dangerou.s  to  the  bitch.  If  she  is  big  and  fat,  shut 
her  up  for  several  days  and  feed  her  very  little;  or,  let  her  run 
out,  and  feed  nothing  at  all,  to  reduce  her  flesh.    Feed  nothing 


370  Dr.  LeGeae's  Stock  Book. 

for  at  least  eighteen  hours  before  operating,  so  the  bowels  will 
not  be-  full. 

Some  recommend  hanging  a  bitch  up  by  the  hind  legs,  and 
others  strap  them  upon  a  rack,  but  we  prefer  putting  them  to 
sleep  on  a  table  hj  the  use  of  1  part  chloroform  and  2  parts  sul- 
phuric ether.  If  the  bitch  is  large  and  strong,  tie  her  legs  and 
muzzle  her,  so  she  can't  bite.  If  a  small  bitch,  one  man  can  hold 
her  legs.  Saturate  a  small,  new  sponge  with  the  anaesthetic 
(chloroform  and  ether),  put  it  down  in  a  funnel  made  of  tough 
paper,  and  shove  her  h^ad  down  into  the  funnel  and  hold  it  there 
tight  until  she  goes  to  sleep.  Care  should  be  taken  not  to  give 
her  too  much,  or  she  will  never  wake  up.  If  she  stops  breathing, 
take  the  sponge  away  and  throw  water  on  her  head  and  work  her 
front  legs.  When  she  is  a.sleep,  the  hair,  if  long,  should  be 
clipped  from  the  place  of  operation,  which  is  best  done  between 
the  last  four  teats.  Wash  off  the  skin  with  a  weak  solution  of 
carbolic  acid,  and  with  a  sharp,  perfectly  clean  lance,  cut  through 
the  skin  and  flesh  into  the  abdominal  cavity.  Make  a  hole  about 
two  inches  long;  insert  the  finger  and  bring  out  the  ovaries 
(prides),  and  remove  them  one  at  a  time  with  a  pair  of  dull  scis- 
sors. Sponge  off  the  blood  nice  and  clean  and  draw  the  wound 
together  by  the  use  of  silk  sutures.  The  wound  will  heal  in  six 
or  eight  daA^s,  when  you  can  remove  the  stitches.  It  is  well  to 
wash  the  skin  and  wound  nicely  every  day  with  soap  and  water, 
and  apply  a  little  of  our  Healing  Lotion  to  cleanse  the  wound 
and  heal  it  quickly  Feed  the-  bitch  on  light  diet  for  four  or  five 
days  after  the  operation,  and  keep  her  from  running  around  a 
gieat  deal.  A  spayed  bitch  will  make  the  very  best  kind  of  u 
dog;  they  will  be  smart,  quick,  and  intelligent.  Occasionally,  it 
will  be  noticed  that  a  bitch,  after  being  spayed,  will  come  in  heat 
once  or  twice,  but  this  will  pass  off  and  not  botlier  them  any 
m.ore. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  371 


RABIES,  OR  HYDROPHOBIA. 

Rabies,  which  prevail  cliiefiy  among  animals  of  the  canine, 
species,  as  the  dog,  wolf,  fox,  etc.,  is  at  the  present  time  accepted 
as  "being  an  acute,  infectious  disease  of  the  central  nervous  sys- 
tem, characterized  by  fever,  a  high  degree  of  irritability  and  ex- 
citement, the  presence,  of  a  spa»sm,  generally  a  disposition  to  bite, 
great  prostration,  and  finally  death.  Man,  and  all  warm-blooded 
animals,  are  liable  to  this  malady.  It  was  called  hydrophobia 
because  it  was  supposed  that  the  rabid  (mad)  animal  had  a  dread 
or  fear  of  water,  which  is  not  true-,  for  it  will  drink  water  greed- 
ily to  the  very  last,  providing  the  power  of  deglutition  (swal- 
lowing) is  not  lost.  Rabies,  which  means  "to  rave,"  being  a  far 
better  name  for  the  disease. 

History. — The  antiquity  of  rabies  i.s  not  exactly  known.  Aris- 
totle, Xenophon,  Virgil,  Horace,  Ovid,  and  many  others,  in  their 
writings,  mention  it  as  one  of  the  maladies  in  their  time.  Then 
come  the  writings  of  Caelius  Aurelianus,  who  treated  all  the  im- 
portant questions  relating  to  it  in  a  most  masterly  manner.  Af- 
ter him,  centuries  passed,  during  which  time  but  Kttle  or  noth- 
ing was  added  to  the  present  knowledge  of  the  subject.  But 
toward  the  end  of  the  last  century  investigations  were  renewed, 
and  since  then  a  great  deal  of  light  has  been  thrown  upon  the 
subject,  especially  by  M.  Pasteur,  Koch,  Williams,  and  many 
other  noted  men  of  our  day.  Rabies  has  recently  been  quite 
prevalent  in  England  and  in  some  of  the  United  States  of  Amer- 
ica, while  in  Australia  and  New  Zealand  it  is  very  rare.  Until 
lately,  it  has  been  comparatively  rare  in  Canada  and  in  the  Unit- 
ed States,  while  in  Peru,  Chili  and  some  other  countries  it  is 
very  common.  It  has  occurred  in  every  State  in  this  Union  at 
some  time  or  another  during  the  present  century,  but,  fortunate- 
ly, never  to  any  alarming  extent. 


372  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Causes. — The  theory  of  a  spontaneous  development  of  rabies 
is  still  a  question  of  controversy  among  our  best  authors.  It  is 
now  universally  accepted  that  the  poison  is  communicated  almost 
invariably  by  means  of  the  bite  of  a  rabid  or  infected  animal. 
Chmate  does  not  appear  in  the  least  to  exert  any  amount  of  in- 
fluence over  its  production.  It  is  very  generally  imagined  by 
people  that  dogs  are  more  liable  to  have  the  disease  during  very 
hot  weather.  Experience,  however,  proves  that  hot  weather  has 
not  the  slightest  influence,  so  far  as  being  the  actual  cause  or 
producing  the  disease  is  concerned.  Statistics  show  that  Janu- 
ary and  August,  the  coldest  and  hottest  months,  furnish  the 
fewest  cases.  In  Egypt  and  Syria,  both  very  hot  countries,  the 
disease  is  unknown,  and  Greenland,  on  the  other  hand,  being  a 
very  cold  country,  is  also  exempt.  So  far  as  is  known,  the  con- 
tagious principle  or  virus  exists  only  in  the  fixed  form,  and  is 
found  in  every  tissue  of  the  body.  In  the  brain,  spinal  cord,  and 
saliva,  it  is  found  in  its  most  potent  forms,  but  its  vitality  is 
soon  lost  after  death.  We  are  justified  in  saying  that  hydro- 
phobia is  a  specific  blood  disease,  due  to  an  unknown  germ.  As 
yet,  the  germ  has  not  been  isolated  or  cultivated,  but,  by  the 
process  of  inoculation,  sufficient  proof  has  been  found  of  its 
presence  in  the  blood  of  an  affected  animal.  This  virus,  without 
doubt,  is  developed  in  the  saliva  of  all  affected  animals,  and  is  in- 
oculated by  a  bite  or  by  its  coming  in  contact  with  an  abrasion 
of  the  skin  or  mucous  membrane,  thus  producing  the  disease  in 
other  animals  and  in  man.  The  virus  seems  to  be  weakened  in 
its  transmission  from  one  animal  to  another,  so  that  the  first 
bites  of  a  mad  dog  are  said  to  be  the  most  dangerous.  French 
authorities  go  to  show  that  not  one-third  of  those  bitten  by  rabid 
animals  die  of  rabies,  while  only  1  per  cent  of  those  bitten 
through  the  clothing  die.  Some  people  think  the  bite  of  an 
angry  dog  will  produce  hydrophobia,  and  all  the  more  so  if  the 
animal  should  go  mad,  even  years  after.  M.  Pasteur,  the  noted 
French  scientist,  says:  "The  bite  of  a  dog  is  only  dangerous  when 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  373 

lie  is  suffering  from  rabies.  The  non-rabid  animal,  however  en- 
raged, can  not  give  rise-  to  hydrophobia  by  his  bite."  No  doubt 
a  great  many  persons  die  from  mental  derangement  (delirium) 
caused  by  fear  of  taking  the  terrible  malady.  The  period  of 
incubation  is  extremely  variable — from  a  few  days  even  up  to  a 
year  or  more.  In  man,  nine  days  was  the  time  generally  accept- 
ed to  elapse  between  the  infliction  of  the  bite  and  the  first  sym- 
toms  of  the  disease. 

Symptoms. — In  giving  the  symptoms  of  canine  madness,  two 
foims  will  be  noticed:  the  furious  or  violent,  and  the  dumb  or 
sullen.  About  the  first  thing  noticed  in  the  first  form  is  a  period 
of  dullness,  showing  that  the  brain  is  affected.  This  period  of 
dullness  is  followed  by  a  period  of  restlessness  or  excitement,  and 
after  a  time  may  again  be  followed  by  a  period  of  coma.  The 
animal  has  a  tendency  to  seek  confinement  in  out-of-the-way 
places,  where  he  can  lie  undisturbed.  When  disturbed,  he  be- 
comes very  much  excited,  and  may  become  furiously  enraged 
without  any  apparent  cause.  Now  the  countenance  becomes 
anxious  and  appalling,  the  eyes  become  bloodshot,  with  a  spark- 
ling, bright  appearance,  and  a  tendency  to  distorted  vision  or 
squinting.  A  very  prominent  symptom  is  a  depraved  appetite, 
the  animal  eating  or  swallowing  pieces  of  wood,  stone-s,  coal, 
leather,  and  even  pieces  of  iron,  lead,  etc. — ^in  fact,  any  kind  of 
filth  or  dirt  that  comes  in  his  way  is  swallowed  seemingly  with 
great  relish.  Prof.  Lagarris,  of  the  Pasteur  Institute,  Chicago, 
111.,  eays  this  symptom  alone  is  characteristic  of  rabies,  and  is 
sufficient  to  justify  any  man  giving  his  opinion  as  such,  who  also 
adds  that  in  making  post  mortems  on  animals  supposed  to  be 
affected  with  rabies  the  contents  of  the  stomach  always  plays  an 
important  part  in  his  decision,  and  always,  where  rabies  are 
found,  the  stomach  is  partly  filled  with  stones,  gravel,  pieces  of 
wood  and  other  indigestible  material.  An  intense  thirst  is  early 
acquired,  and  in  his  endeavors  to  quench  it  he  will  push  his  head 


374  Dr.  LeGea-r's  Stock  Book. 

up  to  the  e3^es  into  the  vessel  containing  the  liquid,  and  drink 
eagerly,  unless  prevented  b}'  a  spasm  of  the  larynx,  when  he  be- 
comes enraged  and  furious  at  the  sight  of  drinking  liquids. 

The  animal  now  becomes  very  restle-ss  and  irritable,  and  if 
allowed  his  hberty  will  seek  seclusion  as  the  disease  advances. 
He  will  leave  his  home  and  a  kind  master  and  go  off  in  nearly  a 
straight  line  along  the  street.  He  travels  in  a  peculiar,  long, 
swinging  trot,  the  tail  hanging  down  and  often  with  the  tongue 
hanging  out  of  his  mouth.  He  looks  neither  to  the  right  nor  to 
the  left,  and  keeping  his  head  in  a  straight  line  with  his  body 
hastens  on  as  if  in  search  of  something  he  doesn't  seem  to  find. 
Thif  is  characteristic  of  the  rabid  animal,  and  nothing  else.  An 
■excessive  secretion  of  saliva,  called  frothing  at  the  mouth,  usual- 
ly takes  place,  and  flows  from  the  mouth.  He  seems  to  take  no 
notice  of  any  one  or  anything  until  pursued  and  bodily  hurt, 
when  he  ^vill  wreak  his  vengeance  on  the  offender,  or  anything, 
else  that  comes  in  his  way.  Still,  he  will  not  go  out  of  his  way 
to  do  any  mischief,  and  wdll  even  pas,s  through  crowds  of  people 
v/ithout  attempting  to  bite  them,  but,  instead,  he  tries  to  escape 
his  pursuers  and  hide.  When  by  himself,  he  will  bite  at  imagin- 
ary objects,  and  will  attack  only  real  ones  when  placed  in  his  way. 
His  snapping  at  the  open  air  is  a  very  characteristic  sign. 

The  inclination  on  the  part  of  the  mad  dog  to  wander  about 
seems  to  be  an  instinctive  attempt  to  get  rid  of  the  disease  by 
muscular  activity,  as  rabies,  if  spontaneous,  is  only  so  in  non- 
perspiring  animals.  A  rabid  dog  when  at  large  always  alters  his 
course,  when  compelled,  by  turning  at  right  angles,  and  never 
breaks  this  rule  unless  compelled  to  by  a  furious  mob.  It  is 
nothing  unusual  to  see  a  dog  hounded  about  the  streets,  and  said 
to  be  mad,  when  he  is  not,  but  is  only  excited  or  frightened.  He 
never  thinks  of  going  out  of  his  way  to  clear  any  object,  attempt- 
ing to  go  over,  under  or  through  it,  and  never  giving  up  until 
he  is  completely  exhausted.  The  wound  from  the  bite  of  a  rabid 
animal  heals  very  rapidly,  and  is  rarely  accompanied  by  inflam- 


Dk.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book.  375 

mation;  but  when  the  disease  itself  has  set  in,  the  wound  may 
show  evidence  of  irritation  or  inflammation,  which  causes  the 
animal  to  gnaw  or  bite  it,  without  feeling  the  slightest  pain 
therefrom.  If  the  animal  is  confined  by  a  chain,  he  attempts  to 
bite  it  in  two;  if  by  a  door,  he  vents  his  fury  on  that.  At  this 
stage  he  has  not  the  slightest  sense  of  pain,  as  he  will  bite  a  red- 
hot  iron  exactly  as  if  it  were  cold,  if  presented  to  him.  If  al- 
lowed water  to  drink,  he  will  usually  upset  the  vessel  in  his  hurry 
to  quench  his  thirst.  At  the  appearance  of  some  stranger  he 
will  bark  as  if  angry,  suddenly  changing  to  a  voice  of  joy  and 
ec&tacy,  then  he  will  whine  as  if  desiring  something,  then  change 
again  into  a  lonely,  dismal  howl,  as  if  lost,  or  that  approaching 
trouble  was  at  hand;  then  he  may  become  really  natural  for  a  few 
minutes,  followed  with  the  same  symptoms,  only  increased  until 
the  whole  muscular  system  is  completely  overcome  with  hideous, 
tetanic  convulsions,  which,  however,  soon  disappear,  and  the 
characteristic  howling  commences  again,  which  is  readily  recog- 
nized by  an  expert  as  that  of  a  mad  dog. 

The  constitutional  symptoms  are  increased  temperature,  nerv- 
ous excitability,  respirations  of  a  sobbing  or  sighing  character, 
etc.  One  peculiarity  of  the  disease  is  that  the  affected  animal 
shows  a  great  antipathy  to  animals  of  its  own  species.  After  two 
or  three  days  of  terrible  suffering  the  animal  succumbs,  death 
taking  place  either  from  a  paroxysm  of  choking  or  in  a  tranquil 
mfmner  from  nervous  exhaustion.  The  power  of  swallowing 
usually  returns  shortly  before  death,  which  generally  takes  place 
in  from  two  to  five  days. 

The  second  or  dumb  form  is  but  a  peculiar  type  of  the  disease, 
which  runs  a  much  shorter  course  and  without'  the  violent  or 
irritative  stage.  The  animal  is  quiet  and  depressed  and  has  but 
little  disposition  to  bite  or  run  away.  Paralysis  of  the  lower  jaw 
early  sets  in,  appetite  perverted,  changed  voice  rarely  heard,  pro- 
gressive emaciation  and  exhaustion,  and  the  poor  sufferer  seldom 
lives  beyond  the  third  day. 


576  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

Treatment. — Medical  treatment,  after  the  disease  has  become 
menifest,  is  of  little  or  no  avail,  hence  the  affected  animal  should 
bo  destroyed  at  once.  In  case  of  a  valuable  animal,  or  a  member 
of  the  human  family,  being  bitten  by  a  rabid  animal,  the  wound 
should,  as  soon  as  possible,  be  well  cleansed  and  freely  cauter- 
ized. One  of  the  first  things  to  do  is  to  endeavor  to  prevent  the 
absorption  of  the  virus  into  the  system.  This  may  be  accom- 
plished by  complete  excision  of  the  part  bitten,  or  by  suction  by 
means  of  a  cupping  glass,  or  even  by  the  mouth  if  practicable, 
after  which  the  part  should  be  thoroughly  cauterized  with  nit- 
rate of  silver,  caustic  potash,  nitric  acid,  or  the  actual  cautery. 
Liquid  caustics  are  preferable,  as  they  penetrate  every  recess  of 
the  wound.  At  the  same  time,  apply  a  ligature  between  the 
wound  and  the  body,  if  the  location  of  the  wound  will  allow  it, 
then  place  the  animal  in  confinement  to  await  developments; 
one  month  is  considered  a  long  enough  period. 

If  you  kill  the  dog,  it  prevents  the  person  from  knomng 
whether  hydrophobia  will  develop  or  not.  If  it  does  not  mature, 
the  person  bitten  need  be  in  no  way  uneasy.  No  doubt  many  a 
valuable,  wTll-bred  animal  has  been  killed  with  the  supposition 
that  he  was  rabid.  An  antidote  for  the  poison  has  not  yet  been 
discovered,  except  the  attenuated  virus  of  the  disease  itself,  pre- 
pared by  M.  Pasteur,  who  claims  to  prevent  the  development  of 
thi".  disease  by  inoculation  of  this  prepared  virus  after  infliction 
of  the  bite  of  a  rabid  animal.  No  doubt  the  prophylactic  treat- 
ment is  the  only  proper  one  to  pursue.  Still,  Pasteur's  method 
is  not  as  yet  universally  accepted,  but  experiments  up  to  the 
present  time  have  been  eminently  satisfactory,  and  will,  in  all 
probability,  lead  to  a  specific,  if  not  already.  Medical  treatment 
consists  of  ner\'e  sedatives,  anti-spasmodics,  etc.,  which  are  to 
be  given  hypodermically,  by  inhalations,  etc. 


APPENDIX. 

VETERINARY  REMEDIES. 


DR.  LeGEAR'S 

Celebrated  Veterinary  Remedies 

PREPARED  BY 

DRS.  L.   D.  AND  N.  G.  LeGEAR, 

GBA1>UATE8  OT  THE   ONTARIO   VETEBINARY  COI,IiEGE,   TORONTO,  ONTABIO. 

VETERlISrARY  SURGEONS, 

AUSTIN,  TEXAS. 


These  are  a  line  of  Stock  Medicines  we  have  prepared  for  the 
cure  of  the  diseases  of  stock  here  in  the  South.  They  are  not 
carelessly  prepared  by  unprofessional  men,  as  a  great  many  jf 
the  "would-be  cure-alls"  for  stock  are  that  flood  the  markets, 
but  are  guaranteed  to  be  composed  of  strictly  pure  drugs,  in  the 
proper  doses,  and  compounded  with  the  greatest  professional  care 
and  skill  possible. 

We  wish  to  ask  all  stock  owners  the  following  question: 
"Where  are  the  stock  medicines  you  have  been  using  made?" 
Your  answer  will  be,  "Away  up  North."  Let  us  ask  again.  How 
can  men  that  live  five  hundred  or  perhaps,  a  thousand  miles 
from  the  South  and  never  were  down  here  make  up  medi- 
cines that  will  cure  diseases  of  stock  in  this  country,  as 
there  is  just  as  much  difference  in  the  disease  of  stock  and  the 

25  [p.  379] 


380  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

medicines  required  in  curing  them  between  there  and  here 
as  there  is  between  the  chmate  in  the  two  places.  Our  long, 
hot  summers  and  mild  winters  give  all  animals  a  different  tem- 
perament and  different  diseases  to  what  they  have  up  North, 
therefore  it  takes  specially  prepared  medicines  to  cure  them. 
Again,  do  you  know  the  men  who  put  up  these  quack  medicines? 
Are  they  Veterinary  Surgeons  studying,  practicing,  and  treating 
the  diseases  of  stock? 

Xo;  they  are  not.  They  perhaps  don't  know  as  much  about 
the  diseases  of  stock  as  you  do,  but  they  have  a  few  fonnulas 
from  which  they  are  putting  up  their  "would-be  cure-alls." 
Some  of  these  preparations  may  do  to  use  on  stock  up  North, 
but  they  are  no  good  in  this  climate. 

You  say  "these  remedies  seem  to  help  our  stock."  You  may 
think  so,  but  it  is  only  imaginary.  AVe  would  invite  one  and  all 
to  try  Dr.  LeGear's  celebrated  Veterinary  Remedies  when  any 
of  your  stock  are  sick,  lame,  or  injured,  and  see  for  yourself  how 
much  better  they  are  than  any  other  kind  you  ever  used. 

We  are  preparing  these  remedies  right  here  in  the  South  after 
carefully  studying  and  investigating  the  various  diseases  of 
stock  and  the  medicines  best  suited  to  cure  them. 

We  wish  to  say  that  we  are  graduate  veterinary  surgeonvS, 
studying,  practicing,  and  treating  the  diseases  of  stock  here  in 
the  South,  and  that  our  celebrated  Veterinary  Remedies  are  the 
results  of  our  hard  study  and  later  practical  work  and  scientific 
researches.  We  ask  all  readers  of  this  book  to  carefully  read  over 
the  following  brief  description  of  each  of  our  celebrated  Veter- 
inary Remedies  and  testimonials  from  the  best  stockmen  on  each, 
for  after  you  read  them  over  carefully  and  note  their  superior 
qualities  over  all  other  stock  medicines  we  know  you  will  try 
them,  and  when  once  tried  you  will  use  no  other. 

The  testimonials  we  have  on  the  merits  of  our  medicines  are 
from  some  of  the  best  stockmen  and  horse  owners  in  Texas  who 


Dk.  LeGeak's  Stock  Book.  381 

have  tixoroughly  tested  and  used  them.  We  have  accepted  no 
false  or  bogus  testimonials.  All  are  real  and  voluntary.  If 
you  doubt  the  reality  of  any  of  these  testimonials,  we  would  be 
pleased  to  have  you  write  to  the  parties  or  call  on  them  in  person. 

HEALING  LOTION. 

This  is  without  a  doubt  the  very  best  healing  prepartion  ever 
made.  It  is  unequaled  in  its  results  in  curing  sore  backs,  sore 
shoulders,  saddle  and  collar  galls,  barbed-wire  cuts,  scratches, 
cracked  and  greasy  heels,  sore  teats  in  cows,  or  sores  of  any  kind 
on  all  animals.  It  has  wonderful  antiseptic,  astringent  and  heal- 
ing properties,  which  makes  it  such  a  valuable  remedy  for  sores 
on  stock.  Use  according  to  directions  on  each  bottle  and  you 
will  be  highly  pleased  with  its  results.    Price,  per  bottle,  50c. 

Prairie  Lea,  Texas,  April  14,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  (fe  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas.      . 

Dear  Sirs:  I  take  pleasure  in  saying  that  your  Healing  Lotion, 
which  you  gave  me,  is  a  sure  and  speedy  cure  for  all  sores  on 
stock.  One  bottle  cured  my  jack,  which  had  sores  on  him  for 
one  year.     Yours  truly, 

C.  POLK,  Stockman. 

Cameron,  Texas,  January  20,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  I  have  been  using  your  celebrated  Healing  Lotion 
for  the  last  six  month  for  barbed  wire  cuts,  sore  backs  and  shoul- 
ders, and  sores  of  all  kinds  on  my  horses,  mules  and  cows,  and 
find  it  the  best  healing  medicine  I  ever  used.  I  can  highly  rec- 
ommend it  to  all  horsemen  and  stock  owners.  Yours  respect- 
fully, W.  K.  DICKINSON, 

Liveryman,  and  dealer  in  Missouri  mules  and  Jersey  cows. 


382  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


LINIMENT. 

There  are  over  one  dozen  different  kinds  of  liniment  made 
and  sold  for  stock,  but  many  of  them  are-  of  very  little  good. 
There  is  as  much  difference  in  liniments  as  there  is  in  different 
biands  of  whisky — some  good,  and  the  rest  no  good  at  all.  In 
preparing  our  Liniment,  we  have  used  the  very  best  stimulating, 
penetrating  and  soothing  medicines,  therefore,  we  guarantee  it 
to  be  one  of  the  best  liniments  made.  It  will  remove  all  pain, 
soreness,  lameness  and  swelling  in  all  cases  of  sprains,  bruises, 
sore  tendons,  enlarged  joints  and  glands,  inflammatory  swellings, 
sore  throat,  rheumatism,  and  all  muscular  soreness  and  lameness 
in  horses  and  cattle,  etc.  Try  it  once,  and  you  will  use  no  other. 
It  is  a  clean,  speedy  and  reliable  remedy,  and  can  be  used  with 
perfect  safety.     Price  per  bottle,  50c. 

CONDITION  POWDERS. 

Nearly  all  animals,  sometime  during  the  year,  more  especially 
during  the  spring,  need  some  good,  reliable  condition  powders 
to  purify  tlie  blood,  rectify  their  stomachs  and  bowels,  and  tone 
up  the  whole  system  in  general;  therefore,  we  offer  our  cele- 
brated Condition  Powders  to  the  public  for  sale,  with  the-  assur- 
ance that  they  will  give  perfect  satisfaction  to  all  those  who  use 
them.  They  are  not  recklessly  prepared  by  unprofessional  par- 
ties from  cheap,  inferior  drugs  and  adulterations,  as  most  of  the 
coLdition  powders  are,  but  are  prepared  with  great  care  and  skill 
from  strictly  pure  drugs  of  full  strength;  therefore,  much  smaller 
doses  are  required,  and  much  more  good  derived,  from  one  box 
of  our  celebrated  Condition  Powders  than  from  half  a  dozen 
packages  of  the  inferior  kinds.  Our  Condition  Powders  is  a  med- 
icine, and  not  a  food,  and,  therefore,  it  takes  only  one  teaispoon- 
ful  for  a  dose,  and  not  from  one  to  three  tablespoonsful,  as  is 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  383 

u-sually  prescribed  of  the  inferior  kinds.  It  is  a  waste  of  money 
to  pay  medicine  prices  for  feed,  as  you  do  when  you  buy  most  of 
th(.'  "condition  powders"  and  "stock  foods"  that  flood  the  mar- 
ket for  they  are  composed  principally  of  bran,  linseed  meal,  etc. 
When  you  buy  our  celebrated  Condition  Powders,  we.  will  assure 
you  that  you  are  buying  medicine,  and  not  adulterations,  and 
when  given  according  to  directions  will  give  perfect  satisfaction 
every  time.  They  are  especially  adapted  to  keeping  horses,  cat- 
tle, sheep  and  hogs  in  general  good  health  and  condition,  giving 
them  sleek,  glossy  coats,  plenty  of  life  and  spirits,  renovating  the 
blcod,  and  the  whole  digestive,  muscular  and  nervous  system  in 
general.  They  are  unequaled  in  their  results  in  relieving  hide 
bound,  indigestion,  loss  of  appetite,  liver  troubles,  rough,  staring 
coats,  general  debility,  bad  blood,  loss  of  flesh,  all  chronic  kidney 
troubles,  thick,  ropy  urine,  coughs,  colds,  distemper,  epizootic, 
bladder  diseases,  etc.  A  trial  will  convince  you  that  they  are 
first-class  in  every  particular.    Price,  50c. 

Giddings,  Texas. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Dr.  LeGear's  Condition  Powders  for  stock  have  been  thor- 
oughly tried  by  me  and  I  found  it  to  work  like  magic.  It  is 
all  that  they  claim  for  it,  and  a  good  article  to  have  at  your  bam. 
I  purchased  it  on  trial,  to  use  it  for  thick,  ropy  urine,  and  in  a 
few  days  the  powder  had  done  its  good  work.  It  is  an  exceed- 
ingly good  appetizer  and  tones  up  the  system  to  perfection. 

J.  W.  NORTHRUP, 
Publisher  Giddings  "News." 

Luling,  Tex-as,  March  1,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Dear  Sirs:  Have  been  using  your  Stock  Condition  Powders  on 
my  entire  herd  of  Jerseys  for  past  six  weeks  with  entire  satis:^c- 
tion.     For  animals  that  are  run  down,  off  feed  or  wormy,  the 


384  Dr.  LeGear'8  Stock  Book. 

reeults  are  marvelous,  and  it  is  with  a  great  deal  of  pleasure 
that  I  recommend  your  stock  medicines  to  breeders  of  fine  stock 
and  the  public  in  general.  Have  found  nothing  in  my  eight 
years^  experience  in  handling  fine  stock  that  acts  as  promptly 
and  to  the  point.  Wishing  you  all  the  success  you  are  entitled  to, 
I  am,  yours  very  truly,  JAMES  A.  PRYOR, 

Proprietor  Oakland  Jersey  Farm. 

COLIC  CURE. 

There  is  no  disease  of  the  horse  that  has  so  many  would-be 
remedies  as  colic,  and  nine  out  of  every  ten  of  these  remedies  are 
no  good,  and  many  of  them  do  a  horse  more  harm  than  good. 
In  order  to  prepare  a  remedy  that  is  safe,  sure,  and  reliable  in 
all  forms  of  colic  and  all  internal  pains  we  have  after  great  study 
and  scientific  research  compounded  our  celebrated  Colic  Cure. 
It  is  absolutely  composed  of  the  best  pain-killers,  anodynes,  anti- 
septics and  correctives  which  are  needed  in  the  treatment  of 
colic  and  all  those  troubles  of  the  stomach,  bowels  and  kidneys 
shown  by  pain,  cramps,  bloating,  uneasiness,  etc.  It  is  a  safe, 
sure,  and  reliable  remedy  for  all  forms  of  colic,  acute  indiges- 
tion, flatulency,  inflammation  of  the  bowels,  diarrhoea,  dysen- 
tery, irritative  kidneys,  inflammation  of  the  kidneys,  and  all 
internal  pain  that  can  be  cured  by  medicine.  As  colic  is  a  dis- 
ease that  comes  on  very  suddenly  without  a  moment's  warning, 
and  is  so  liable  to  kill  the  horse  or  mule  before  you  can  go  to  the 
store  for  any  medicine,  we  will  advise  all  persons  owning  one 
or  more  horses  or  mules  to  always  keep  a  bottle  of  Dr.  LeGear's 
Celebrated  Colic  Cure  on  hand,  as  you  will  in  many  instances 
save  the  life  of  your  animal  by  doing  so,  for  "time  lost  is  money 
lost"  in  treating  colic.  We  can  refer  you  below  to  testimonials 
of  stockmen  and  horse  owners  who  have  used  and  thoroughly 
tested  the  merits  of  our  Colic  Cure.  Another  great  advantage 
our  Colic  Cure  has  over  all  others  is  its  cheapness.    It  is  not  only 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  385 

the  best  colic  cure  on  the  market,  hut  it  is  the  cheapest.    Just 
think  of  it,  a  big  bottle  of  Colic  Cure  for  only  50  cents. 

Burnet,  Texas,  Aug.  2,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen :  We  have  used  your  Colic  Cure  for  the  last  twelve 
months  on  our  horses  and  find  it  all  0  K.  It  gives  ready  relief, 
and  is  a  safe  cure  for  the  Colic.    Yours  with  best  wishes, 

SKAGGS  &  FOULDS,  Liverymen. 

Brownwood,  Texas,  June  17,  1897. 
To  whom  it  may  concern: 

This  is  to  certify  that  I  had  a  fine  mule  that  had  been  sub- 
ject to  fits  of  colic  for  more  than  a  year,  and  the  last  attack  he 
had  I  gave  him  up  to  die.  Had  tried  everything  recommended 
for  colic  to  no  avail,  when  finally  Dr.  Eufus  Payne  suggested 
"Dr.  LeGear's  Colic  Cure,"  which  was  given,  and  to  my  aston- 
ishment the  first  dose  gave  perfect  relief — not  only  relief,  but 
a  cure,  and  the  mule  has  not  had  an  attack  since.  I  can  un- 
hesitatingly recommend  Dr.  LeGear's  Colic  Cure  for  horses. 

J.  H.  BYRD,  a  Eanchman. 

EYE  WATER. 

The  eye,  the  organ  of  vision,  is  very  delicate,  and  is  one  of  the 
most  important  organs  of  the  body,  and  one  that  should  have 
special  care  and  proper  treatment  when  diseased.  There  is  no 
remedy  equal  to  Dr.  LeGear's  celebrated  Eye  Water  for  curing 
all  diseases  of  the  eyes  of  stock.  It  is  prepared  with  the  greatest 
care  and  ,«kill  from  the  best  eye  medicines  known.  It  is  a  mild, 
non-irritating  and  safe  preparation,  and  is  a  reliable  remedy  for 
all  curable  diseases  of  the  e5^es  of  horses,  cattle,  dogs,  etc.,  such 
as  simple  ophthalmia,  periodic  ophthalmia  (moon  blindness), 
svelled  lirls.  flow  of  tears,  hooks,  cloudiness  or  milkiness  of  the 


386  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

eye,  inflammation,  ulceration,  injuries,  etc.  Don't  injure  your 
horse's  eyes  by  putting  salt,  burnt  alum,  etc.,  in  them,  but  use 
our  celebrated  Eye  Water,  which  is  cheap,  safe  and  sure.  Price 
per  bottle,  50c. 

Austin,  Texas,  August  30,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  This  is  to  certify  that  I  have  used  Di*s.  L.  D.  &  N". 
G.  LeGear's  Eye  Water,  and  with  three  applications  it  perfectly 
cured  my  pointer  dog's  eyes.    Very  truly, 

LOUIS  N.  BRUEGGERHOFF. 

Cameron,  Texas,  July  29,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  I  have  used  your  Eye  Water  on  quite  a  number  of 
horses  and  had  splendid  results  in  every  case.  With  best  wishes, 
I  am,  very  respectfully, 

W.  K.  DICKINSON,  Liveryman. 

Cameron,  Texas,  July  39,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  You  doubtless  remember  the  condition  of  my 
horse's  eye,  and  instructing  me  how  to  use  your  Eye  Water.  I 
aiu  glad  to  be  able  to  state  that  in  a  few  weeks  after  beginning  its 
use  the  eye,  instead  of  appearing  like  a  blind  eye,  was  restored  to 
its  natural  appearance.    Yours  very  truly, 

W.  B.  STREETMAN. 

SCREW  WORM  POWDER. 

Screw  worms  and  flies  are  such  a  common  annoyance  to  stock 
and  stockmen  that  a  line  of  stock  medicines  would  not  be  com- 
plete  wifhout  some  good,  reliable  remedy  to  keep  flies  and  screw 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  387 

worms  away  from  sores  on  stock.  Our  Screw  Worm  Powder  is 
a  safe,  sure  and  reliable  antiseptic  protection  against  the  inva- 
sion of  all  flies,  screw  worms  and  poisonous  germs.  It  not  only 
keeps  out  scr^w  worms,  but  heals  all  sores  very  rapidly.  It  is 
put  ver}'  conveniently  in  tin  cans,  with  little  holes  in  the  top,  so 
the  powder  can  be  dusted  on  the  sores  without  any  trouble.  Try 
it,  and  be  convinced  that  this  is  the  best  preventive  against 
screw  wonns  you  ever  used.    Price  per  box,  50c. 

Brownwood,  Texas,  June  18,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  jSr.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  We  have  been  using  your  cekbrated  Screw  Worm 
Powder  for  the  past  year  and  find  it  to  be  the  best  healing  medi- 
cine for  all  kinds  of  sores  on  stock  we  ever  used.  It  is  also  a 
sure  preventive  against  screw  worms,  and  keep  all  flies  away 
from  sores.  We  can  highly  recommend  it  to  all  stock  owners  as 
an  excellent  remedy  for  curing  barbed  wire  cuts  or  sores  of  any 
kind  on  stock. 

.  G.  W.  HALL  &  SON,  Livery  and  Transfer  M;en. 

WORM  REMEDY.' 

You  will  learn,  by  reading  elsewhere  in  this  book,  that  there 
are  several  different  kinds  of  worms  that  inf€st  the  stomach  and 
bowels  of  stock,  and  that  they  are  a  very  common  and  trouble- 
some pest.  In  preparing  our  celebrated  Worm  Remedy  we  have 
used  several  different  kinds  of  medicines,  which  make  it  the  best 
worm  destroyer  ever  prepared.  It  not  only  kills  the  worms,  but 
aids  digestion,  tones  up  the  stomach  and  bowels,  cleanses  the 
blood,  and  conditions  the  animal  in  general.  It  is  perfectly 
harmless  to  the  animal,  but  sure  death  to  the  worms.    Price,  50c. 


388  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 


SPAVIN  CURE. 


This  is  our  favorite  blister  salve,  and  it  is  one  of  the  best  blis- 
tering preparations  made.  Don't  think,  because  it  is  called  Spav- 
in Cure,  that  it  is  only  useful  in  curing  spavin.  It  is  the  best 
penetrating,  absorbing  and  sweating  blister  that  can  possibly  be 
made,  and,  therefore-,  is  very  useful  in  a  great  many  diseases. 

A  remedy  of  this  kind  has  a  great  call  for  and  is  certainly 
much  needed  wherever  horses  are  owned.  We  have  spared  no 
skill,  time  or  expense  in  making  our  celebrated  Spavin  Cure 
complete  and  effectual  in  every  particular  to  meet  the  demand. 

It  is  a  safe,  speedy  and  reliable  remedy  for  spavin,  ring-bone, 
splints,  side  bones,  curbs,  thorough  pin,  bog  spavin,  wind  puffs, 
sweeny,  all  chronic  enlargements  of  joints,  all  bony  or  callous 
tumors  or  enlargements,  navicular  disease,  chronic  founder,  and 
any  fever  or  soreness  in  the  feet.  It  has  wonderful  vesicant  and 
absorbent  effects,  penetrating  to  the  seat  of  the  trouble,  and  in- 
siiring  speedy  action  and  sure  results  in  all  cases  where  a  cure  is 
possible. 

It  is  guaranteed  not  to  kill  the  hair  when  used  according  to- 
directions.  When  applied  to  the  feet,  it  draws  out  all  soreness 
and  fever,  softens  the  hoof,  and  makes  it  grow^  very  rapidly. 
Price  per  bottle,  $1. 

Brownwood,  Texas,  June  15,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  xVustin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  It  is  with  pleasure  that  we  testify  to  the  merits 
of  your  Spavin  Cure.  We  cured  one  very  bad  case  of  enlarged 
hock-joint  in  one  of  our  horses  which  we  thought  was  incurable. 
It  is  the  very  best  penetrating,  absorbing,  sweating  blister  we 
ever  used,  and  can  highly  recommend  it  to  all  horse  owners  who. 
have  occasion  to  use  it. 

G.  W.  HAT.T.  &  SON,  Livery  and  Transfer  Men. 


Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book.  389 

Holman,  Texas,  July  38,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Dear  Sirs:    I  have  sold  your  line  of  medicines  for  stock  for 
about  twelve  months,  and  could  not  get  along  without  them, 
as  they  give  the  most  gratifying  results  among  my  customers. 
Very  respectfully  yours, 

G.  W.  LEWIS. 

Brenham,  Texas,  July  26,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  Your  veterinary  medicines  have  given  entire  sat- 
isfaction wherever  sold.  You  will  notice  my  orders  have  been 
quite  frequent  during  the  last  twelve  months,  and  the  last  order 
showed  quite  an  increase  in  amount  over  previous  ones.  There  is 
a  demand  for  reliable  veterinary  medicines,  and  you  made  no 
mistake  when  you  entered  the  field  to  supply  this  demand.  1 
shall  continue  to  handle  your  preparations,  knowing  that  your 
skill  and  integrity  insure  safe  and  reliable  goods.    Yours  truly, 

K.  E.  LUHN,  Druggist" 

Cameron,  Texas,  July  26,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

This  is  to  certify  that  I  have  been  handling  Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G. 
LeGear's  Veterinary  Eemedies  for  ten  months,  during  which 
time  I  have  made  seven  orders.  I  find  them  to  be  good  sellers 
and  to  satisfy  those  who  use  them.    Eespectfully, 

GEO.  A.  THOMAS. 

Brownwood,  Texas,  July  5,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  I^.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Dear  Sirs:  It  is  with  pleasure  that  we  recommend  to  the  trade 
and  public  your  veterinary  remedies.  We  have  been  handling 
them  about  one  year,  and  have  placed  six  orders  with  you.    We 


390  Dr.  LeGear's  Stock  Book. 

find  them  good  sellers  and  give  entire  satisfaction  to  the  buyer. 
We  can  safely  say  that  your  Horse  Colic  Cure  is  a  panacea  for 
oolic.  Have  known  of  one  or  two  doses  instantly  relieving  some 
very  severe  cases.  We  consider  all  your  remedies  medicines  of 
great  merit.    Yours  truly, 

K.  P.  PAYNE  DRUG  CO. 

Georgetown,  August  2,  1897. 
To  whom  it  may  concern: 

This  is  to  certify  that  we  have  been  selling  Dr.  LeGear's  vet- 
erinary remedies  for  over  six  months  and  are  yet  to  hear  of  a 
case  where  they  have  not  given  perfect  satisfaction. 
Respectfully, 

FLEAGER  &  WHITTENBERG. 

New  Braunfels,  Texas,  August  19,  1897. 
Drs.  L.  D.  &  N.  G.  LeGear,  Austin,  Texas. 

Gentlemen:  Since  you  have  introduced  your  celebrated  veter- 
inary medicines  here,  the  demand  for  them  has  steadily  in- 
creased, and  people  who  have  used  them  are  more  than  pleased 
with  results. 

H.  V.  SCHUMANN,  the  Leading  Druggist. 


INDEX. 


HORSE  DEPARTMENT. 


Abortion 210  | 

Abscesses 172 

After-birth,  retention  of 206 

Age,  how  told 49 

Albuminoids,  poisoning  by.  .     94 

Amurosis 143 

Aplithae    58 

Apoplexy  127 

Asthma 38 

Azotiiria   94 

Barrenness 211 

Big  head 105 

Bladder,  inflammation  of  . .  .  90 
Bladder,  paralysis  of  the  neck 

of  the 92 

Bladder,  spasm  of  the  neck 

of  the 91 

Bleeding  from  the  lungs  ....  30 

Bleeding  from  the  nose 23 

Blind  staggers 128 

Bloody  flux   79 

Bog  spavin 180 

Bones 149 

Bots.  larvae  of  the  gadfly. . .  61 

Brain,  concussion  of 123 

Brain,  inflammation  of 124 

Break-down 187 

Breathing,  organs  of 19 

Breeding 8 


Broken  wind 38 

Bronchitis  28 

Bruise  of  sensitive  sole 234 

Burns  173 

Capped  elbow 1 82 

Capped  hock  181 

Canker  240 

Care  of  the  mare 12 

Caries    156 

Castration    214 

Bleeding  218 

Lockjaw  219^ 

Pain 218 

Peritonitis 218 

Ridglings    220 

Seedy  cord 220 

Swelling   217 

Cataract  141 

Catarrh,  simple 20^ 

Catarrh,  chronic 24 

Choking  59 

Choking,  results  of 61 

Chronic  cough 24 

Clipping  horses 199^ 

Cocked  ankles 1&3 

Coflin-joint  lameness 243 

Cold  in  the  head 20 

Collar  galls  194 

Colic,  flatulent 64 


[p.  301 J 


392 


Index. 


Colic,  spasmodic 69 

Congestion  of  the  lungs 31 

Constipation  71 

Contraction   230 

Cornea,  ulcers  of 142 

Corns 235 

Cracked  heels 100 

Cribbing   267 

Crooked  tail  198 

Curb   ; J77 

Cystitis  <iO 

Decayed  teeth 53 

Dentition 47 

Diabetes  insipidus 87 

Diabetes  mallitus 88 

Diaphragm,  spasm  of 37 

Diarrhoea 78 

Diuresis  87 

Distemper  40 

Dropsy  of  the  chest 36 

Dropsy  of  the  scrotum 223 

Dysentery  79 

Dyspepsia  65 

Eczema 99 

Encephalitis   124 

Enlarged  joints   191 

Enteritis 75 

Epilepsy   127 

Epistaxis    23 

Epizootic   44 

Epizootic  cellulitis 43 

Excess  of  venereal  desire. . .  212 

Eyeball,  tumors  of 142 

Feeding  and  watering 1 

Fetlock,  sprain  of 185 

Fistulae 196 

Pits,  falling 127 


Flatulent  colic   64 

Foaling  201 

Foaling,  after  treatment 205 

Foot,  anatomy  of 229 

Foot,  nail  in  237 

Foot,  gravel  in  236 

Foot,  prepared  for  the  shoe.  248 

Forging ; 257 

Foulness  of  the  saeath 227 

Founder 231 

Fractures  152 

Glanders  and  Farcy 26b 

Gonorrhoea   226 

Gravel 93 

Gravel  in  the  foot 236 

Grease 102 

Gut  Tie 77 

Habits 267 

iHaematuria 89 

Haemoptysis  30 

Haw,  the   138 

Head  staggers 120 

Heat  stroke 120 

Heart,  inflammation  oi  ....  147 

Heaves    38 

Hemorrhage,  after  delivery.  207 

Hernia  83 

Hip-joint  disease 193 

Hooks   138 

Horseshoeing  247 

Hydrothorax  36 

Hydrocele 223 

Hvsteria  126 

• 

Impaction  of  large  bowels.  .  74 

Indigestion 65 

Influenza    44 

Interfering 258 


Index. 


393 


Intususception  .... 

Invagination   

Inversion  of  womb 
Itch    


Jacks,  old  sores  on 
Jaundice 


Kidneys,  inflainiiiatiou  of 

Kidney  sores 

Knee  sprung 

Knuckling 


Lagrippe 

Laminitis   

Lampas 

Laryngitis 

Larynx,  spasms  of.... 

Leucorrhoea  

Lice 

Liver,  inflammation  of. 

Lockjaw  

Loco- weed  poisoning  . 

Lolling  

Long  projecting  teeth.  , 

Lousiness 

Lung  fever , 

Lymphangitis 


Mallenders 

Mange  

Masturbation  •. 

Medicines,  how  given 

Medicines,  measuring 

Medicines,  action,  doses,  etc. 
Meningitis,  cerebro  spinal . .  . 

Meningitis,  spinal   

Membrane  iiictitans 

Monday  morning  disease. . . . 
Mud  fever  


76 

76 

207 

107 

113 

82 

85 
195 
184 
183 

44 
231 

57 

21 

23 
209 
110 

81 
132 
264 
268 

52 
110 

32 
115 

106 
107 
225 
14 
.H31 
332 
129 
131 
138 
115 
105 


Nails 253 

Nail  in  the  foot 237 

Narrow  heel 230 

Nasal  gleet  24 

Nasal  Polypi  22 

Navicular  disease 243 

Necrosis 157 

Nephritis  85 

Nettle  rash 104 

Oedema 114 

Ophthalmia,  periodic  139 

Ophthalmia,  simp-e 136 

Optic  nerve,  paralysis  of . . . .  143 

Open  joint  175 

Orchitis 222 

Organs  of  respiration 19 

Osteo-porosis 165 

Overreach  257 

Palsy 122 

Palsy  of  the  nerve  of  sight .  .  143 

Paralysis  122 

Parrot  mouth   57 

Parturition   201 

Parturition,  arter  treatment .  205 

Paraphymosis 224 

Patella,  dislocation  of 191 

Penis,  paralysis  of 225 

Penis,  foulness  of 227 

Pericarditis    147 

Pharyngeal  polypi 22 

Phlebitis 174 

Phymosis   225 

Pink-eye  -. 43 

Placenta,  retention  of 206 

Pleurisy    35 

Pneumonia 32 

Poll  evil 196 


394 


Index. 


Pregnancy,  signs  of ....... .  201 

Presentations,  natural 202 

Presentations,    unnatural . .  .  202 

Projecting  teeth 50 

Ptyalism 59 

Pulse,  the 144 

Quarter  crack  241 

Quittor 238 

Kachitis  155 

Respiration,  organs  of 19 

Rickets   155 

Ringworm  Ill 

Ringbone  lo9 

Roaring 26 

Rupture ^S 

Rupture  of  stomach 64 

Saddle  galls 194 

Sallenders 107 

Sand  crack 241 

Scalds   173 

'Scratches 100 

Scum,    bluish    white    on    the 

cornea 141 

Seedy  toe 234 

Self  abuse   225 

Sharp  teeth 50 

Sheath,  foulness  of 227 

Shoe  boil 182 

Shoulder  slip 188 

Shoulder  joint  lameness ....  189 

Shoe,  the 250 

Shoeing  for  specific  purpose .  256 

Shoeing,  fitting 252 

iShoeing,  finishing 256 

Side  bones 161 

Sitfasts 195 

Slobbering .  59 


Snake  bites   174 

Sore  throat 21 

Sore  mouth   58 

Spasm  of  larynx 23 

Spasm  of  diaphragm 37 

Spasmodic  colic  69 

Spavin 162 

iSpaying   221 

Spinitis   131 

Splints 158 

Spots  (white)  on  cornea ....  141 

Sprain  of  fetlock 185 

Sprain    of    suspensory    liga- 
ments . 186 

Sprung  knees 184 

Stabling,  and  general  care. .  4 

Staling,^rof use   87 

Stifled   191 

Stone  93 

Stocking   114 

Sterility 211 

Strangles    40 

String  halt 121 

Stomach,  rupture  of 64 

Stumbling 259 

Sunstroke 118 

Surfeit 104 

Sweating,  non-  97 

Sweeny 188 

Swelled  legs 114 

Teeth 48 

Temperature 146 

Testicles,  inflammation  of . .  .  222 

Testicles,  enlarged 224 

Tetanus    , 132 

Thorouglipin 179 

q.^hrush  . 239 

Thumps  .  . . . ; 37 

Toe  crack 241 


Index. 


395 


Trachitis   28 

Tumors  172 

Tumors  ot  the  eyeball 142 

Twisting  of  the  bowels 77 

Ulceration  of  the  cornea 142 

Undershot    57 

Urine,  bloody   89 

Urticaria  104 

Variola  equina  265 

Veins,  inflammation  of 174 

Volvulus 77 


Warts    112 

Weed  115 

Wheezing  26 

Whistling 26 

Whites 209 

Wind  colic 64 

Wind  puffs 179 

Wind  sucking 267 

Worms  (intestinal)   63 

Wounds  166 

Yellows,  the 82 


CATTLE  DEPAETMENT. 


Acclimation  fever  308 

Actinomycosis   327 

Animal  consumption 315 

Anthrax   303 

Apoplexy 287 

Black  leg 322 

Black  quarter 322 

Bloating   273 

Blocked  or  closed  teats 293 

Bleeding  cancer 329 

Bloody  murrain  308 

Bloody  milk 292 

Blue  milk 292 

Bovine  tuberculosis 315 

Calving 285 

Charbon   303 

Cowpox 326 

Constipation    279 

Cripple,  the 301 

Cud,  loss  of 276 

26 


Dehorning    280 

Diarrhoea  in  calves 277 

Diarrhoea  in  cattle 278 

Distention  of  the  paunch . . .  275 

Dry  murrain 276 

Fungus  haematodes   329 

Garget 289 

Grass  staggers  276 

/ 

Horn  fly 300 

Hoven  273 

Indigestion  of  third  stomach,  276 

Loss  of  cud 276 

Lump  jaw  327 

i 

Mammitis 289 

Medicines,  action,  doses,  etc.,  333 
Milk  fever 285 


396 


Index. 


Milk,  blue 292 

Milk,  bloody 292 

Opening  in  side  of  teat 294 

Parturition 285 

Parturient  paralysis 286 

Parturient  paralysis 287 

Paunch,  distension  of 275 


Red  water 


308 


Screw  worms 301 

Sore  teats 294 

Spanish  fever 308 


Spaying  cows  282 

Splenetic  fever 308 

Stiff  disease 301 

Stringy  milk   292 

Symptomatic  anthrax  322 

Teats,  blocked  293 

Teats,  closed 293 

Texas  fever 308 

Ticks   295 

Variola  vaccina 326 

White  scour 277 

Worms  279 


SHEEP  DEPAETMENT. 


Foot  rot 342 

Gid 347 

Grub  in  the  head 345 

Hydatid  of  the  brain 347 

Liver  fluke 344 


Rot,  the 344 

'Scab   338 

Sturdy 347 

Turn-sick   347 


SWINE  DEPAETMENT. 


Hog  cholera 351 

Measles 358 


Swine  plague 351 

Trichinosis 356 

Trichina   356 


Index. 


397 


DOG  DEPAETMENT. 


Distemper  363 

Eczema 366 

Hydrophobia 371 

Itch 367 


Mange , .  367 

Rabies 371 

Spaying  bitches  369 


Colic  Cure  384 

Condition  Powders 382 

Eye  Water 385 

Healing  Lotion 381 


VETERINAEY  EEMEDIES. 

Liniment 382 


Screw- worm  Powder 386 

Spavin  Cure 388 

Worm  Remedy 387 


HAUSSMANN  &  DUNN, 


MANUFACTURERS, 
IMPORTERS  .  .  .  . 

WHOLESALE  and  RETAIL 
DEALERS   IN — ^ 


VETERINARY 

INSTRUMENTS 
AND  SUPPLIES 

...TURF  GOODS... 

INSTRUMENTS  MADE  TO  ORDER  A  SPECIALTY. 


east  madison  street, 
Chicago,  III. 


*ERSONS    WISHINQ    VETERINARY   INSTRUMENTS    OF   THE  ABOVE   FIRM 
MAY  OBTAIN  THEM  THROUGH  DRS.  L.  D.  cB  N.  G.  LeGEAR, 

Veterinary  Surgeons,  Austin,  Texas. 


14  DAY  USE 

RETURN  TO  DESK  FROM  WHICH  BORROWED 

BIOLOGY  LIBRARY 

TEL.  NO.  642-2531 

This  book  is  due  on  the  last  date  stamped  below,  or 

on  the  date  to  which  renewed. 

Renewed  books  are  subject  to  immediate  recall. 

MAR  1 8  1971 

MAR  -  4  1971  0  7 

T  r^  oi  A    1  K^  o  »«Q                              General  Library 

T,f»  Gepr. 

T..    P. 

iiP 

Dr.  Le 

Gear's  stock 

SIC  O^.Y 

' 

— UBRAR¥ 

G 

^^^^ 

^^^1^^^ 

UNIVERSITY  OF  CAIvIFORNIA  L/IBRARY 


